Building is Creating and Creating is Building

Recently some Afrika contemporary inventors were brought to my attention and their work is astonishing. After doing a little more research I came across a website that focused on Afrika inventors and again I was impressed. Do not misunderstand I was not shock at the work or who made the accomplishments but at the effort to document the facts. This aspect of nation building seems to be over looked at times because the process of building or creating rarely states that one should also include the position of documenting or recording the building and creating process and who was involved etc. This information has totally changed my approach to everything because without that the effort of documenting or recording we can lost track of the entire initiative all together.

Therefore it is just as important to do work as it is to record the work being done. This bit of information has sparked an initiative in our household that will have enormous effects on our goals. I hope the same has happened for you by reading this article and exploring the idea that one must build or create and some one else must document or record.

Cognitive Development

The ability to retain memory, attentiveness, learning, reasoning, problem solving, decision making, and navigating language are all connected to cognitive thought. Without some level or aspect of cognitive thought I would dare say that liberation is not possible. The best platform to development such a skill might be chess which combines purpose with objective and ultimately contributes to cognitive development.

The combination of thoughts and moves make chess an interesting game to learn and a critical game to master for Afrikan’s. Once you study chess and the purpose behind defeating an opponent, the idea of liberation will become simple.

Let’s explore an example. Traveling on the train one afternoon I noticed an advertisement for a local community college promoting a new field of study, “Cyber Security”. Now at first I did not think much of it, but I remember the lesson that comes through when playing chess. Every move has a purpose. I looked back up at the article and asked myself why. Why that field of study, why that college, and why now. All these questions lead me to the discovery that the IT industry has been pushing initiatives across the country to boost the pool of qualified computer specialist in the cyber security field to combat all the digital theft that has taken place over the years. The idea actually has more motives attached to it but only the purpose is relevant here. The purpose is what created interest and ultimately lead to an investigation which will also lead to a solution.

So please consider the purpose of all activities as if playing chess and there will always be a logical explanation of how to over come any obstacles associated with those activities.

Fill in Afrikans for all STEM field discussions.

* Why STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)?

We Need STEM:
The demand for skilled Afrikans in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is closely linked to global competitiveness. How can Afrikans inspire the next generation to solve problems within the community without promoting STEM education?

The lack of Afrikans entering STEM fields presents additional challenges, but using creativity and innovation to address these challenges is critical to achieving liberation.

Not enough Afrikan people are being introduced, educated or inspired about STEM education. Instead, formal education seems to be sapping the interest of young people, particularly Afrikan peoples, away from the STEM fields.

Importance of STEM:
In the earliest of civilizations (What is now know as Ethiopia and surrounding countries), scientific and technological innovations were a part of our culture and legacy. Today, STEM fields have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of a computerized world. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, Afrikans need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.

Technology is pervasive in almost every aspect of daily life, and as the workplace changes, STEM knowledge and skills grow in importance for a variety of people (not just for mathematicians and scientists).

Stereotypes about Afrikan abilities and their role in society often keep us only pursuing careers in entertainment and athletics.

What You Can Do:
Whether you are a parent, student, elder, or Afrikan centered organization, you can get involved. You’re taking the first step by reading this message. If you’re a parent, make sure the youth are developing skills that encompass STEM fields and not just for the purpose of going to college and finding a job but to stimulate Afrikan centered thinking that can contribute to nation building. Students, search for STEM classes and curriculums, especially when considering college programs. Elders, encourage the Afrikan family with stories of skill/trade development that contributed to the modern advancements of today. Afrikan centered organization, start using lessons from our history to repurpose STEM into daily activities.

*The headings and theme for the original article can be found below:

http://stemcareer.com/why-stem/