Media Release
27 January 2020
Location: Manila, Philippines
Dates: 29 Jan – 3 Feb 2020
She Maps will support the development of STEM outcomes in the Philippines, using drone lessons thanks to an Australia-ASEAN Council grant through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In 2019, She Maps partnered with12 WeRobotics Flying Labs members from nine countries in the Pacific, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This latest grant expands the drone eduction program into the Philippines, Nepal, India and PNG.
WeRobotics are leaders in community-led knowledge hubs for drones and robotics around the world. They understand that diversity in STEM is an essential part of accelerating the adoption and social good that this technology can bring, and that engagement with youth is a critical part of this challenge.
The partnership with She Maps increases the capacity of local instructors and trainers to conduct youth engagement in STEM.
She Maps co-founders, Dr Karen Joyce and Paul Mead will conduct their STEM teacher training courses and youth engagement STEM activities in Manila and Pampanga with the Aeta Indigenous people.
She Maps Education Director, Dr Karen Joyce says, ‘our Certified Instructor training is an intensive three day course that gives participants the confidence and skills to teach engaging STEM activities, using drones to engage. Participants test their new skills with local youth, putting into practice what they have learnt.’
She Maps co-founder and Managing Director, Paul Mead, says, ‘the partnership with WeRobotics is important as it helps us to increase the reach of our mission, to increase diversity in STEM.’
WeRobotics Flying Labs Community Coordinator, Gilles Fischer says, ‘the She Maps Instructor training has sparked a lot of enthusiasm amongst our Flying Labs network, and this advanced and intensive training will help us lift our youth engagement activities to the next level.’
She Maps will be in the Philippines from 27 January to 3 February 2020 conducting their Certified Instructor course, and hosting a breakfast with the Philippines Flying Labs for local Government Officials, educators, and industry representatives with an interest in STEM engagement.
– ENDS –
Who is She Maps?
She Maps is a family-owned and operated Queensland based social enterprise that is on a mission to increase diversity in STEM.
When many people think of a scientist, they imagine someone (often male) in a lab coat working with a microscope or test tubes. Our vision of science is far broader.
STEM Diversity Through Drone Lessons
We need diversity in science disciplines beyond the lab coat, and ideas from people of every background to solve the problems of the future. Our purpose at She Maps is to bring this concept of diversity into how we perceive science, and who does it.
We provide online and face-to-face learning that gives students and teachers confidence when trying new technology and using it to explore solutions to real-life problems. Drones are a central part of our programs because they spark natural curiosity and engagement in students – it’s much easier to teach when it’s fun. And because drones will play a large role across many industry sectors in the future.
For more information about our visits in Indonesia and Philippines, read here.
Who is WeRobotics?
WeRobotics is a nonprofit organization that invests in local experts creating robotics solutions where they are most needed, accelerating the positive impact of aid, health, development, and environmental efforts globally. WeRobotics facilitates the Flying Labs Network comprised of local knowledge hubs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. To learn more, visit WeRobotics, and follow on Twitter @WeRobotics and Facebook.
Media Enquiries
She Maps: Paul Mead, Managing Director, 0432 469 500
