Discovering Passions Through Learning and Friendship

School may be out for the summer, but the learning continues for most children. Today, the STEAM Summer Academy wrapped up its four-week programme, culminating in a vibrant showcase where nearly fifty young minds displayed the skills and knowledge they’ve gained in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. From fascinating science experiments to creative art projects, these children are ready to shine! In tonight’s episode of Belize on Reel, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes us to the Edward P. York compound to celebrate their incredible talents and achievements. Here’s the story.

 

Britney Gordon

“Did you like dancing before you joined this class?”

 

Avon Richards, Camper

“Well no, usually I didn’t like to dance because sometimes when I dance, I would just do some things that were not necessary but for this, that I did this, I do like to dance now.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So you feel like you’re going to keep dancing now that you’ve discovered that you like it?”

 

Avon Richards

“Yes.”

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Do you remember your childhood dreams of what you wanted to be when you grew up? Or the moment you decided on that career path? Discovering your passion is one of life’s most memorable milestones. This summer at the STEAM Summer Academy in Belize City, children experienced just that. Over the course of four weeks, participants explored the fascinating realms of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Co-director Joseph Stamp-Romero emphasized that, while academics were crucial, fostering a sense of community among the children was a key focus of the curriculum.

 

Joseph Stamp-Romero, Co-director

“I think one of the biggest one of the biggest thing about the camp was just how kids can learn how to work together. I think how kids can learn how to plan, how they can learn how to design, and how they can critically look at the things that they do from a standpoint of trying to improve it. So I think one of the biggest topics that we always talked about a lot is just working together. Collaboration was huge. I think from teachers right down to right down to students. And I think that was, I think one of the most important details for the camp.”

 

No matter how big or small, finding a way to express themselves is a valuable lesson for every child to learn. Twelve-year-old Mia Meneses has found her way, Art.

 

Mia Meneses, Camper

“I learned in this summer camp that we have to be confident. That we have to be confident for the most things. That we can’t really be afraid about the art. It’s a free will that you are able to choose and it’s never too late to learn or practice art.”

 

 

 

Mia has always loved creating art, but she told us that being able to share the experience with others has made it an even better one.

 

Mia Meneses

“I also really like everyone’s art piece because everyone has a unique way of doing their art.”

 

It is this sense of creativity that art instructor, Shaira Young has tried to instill in the hearts of her students.

 

Shahira Young, Art Instructor

“I believe that expressing ourselves. Don’t be afraid of who you are as an artist. You don’t have to paint exactly as you see the photo. Try to be unique. Try to be different. Use shape, use style, use techniques to express yourself.”

 

 

 

In a nearby room, eight aspiring roboticists proudly showcased the machines they assembled during the camp. Their impressive creations included devices for testing humidity levels and controlling stoplights. Robotic instructor Dr. Abraham Flowers emphasised that as technology continues to evolve, gaining experience with computers has become essential for success in today’s world.

 

 

 

Dr. Abraham Flowers, Robotics Instructor

“We know every day we see that there is improvement when it comes to development in technology itself, right? So having the kids to basically have the ground level or the foundation would help them or prompt them to become much more better because today even our economy depends on the improvement of technology. And we’re talking from all the way from industrial all the way to personal or domestic. So doing this, I think is a huge step forward.”

 

 

After four weeks of science, math, and arts, all students went home having learned the important lesson of being themselves and cheering for others.

 

Avon Richards

“I feel pretty good because it’s how Is it not that how I am doing myself? Cause if I would do it myself, I would probably feel embarrassed. But with people here that I’m doing it, like I could finally express how I could be like alive and how I am doing the way of the dance that we have been practicing.”

 

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.