Te Hononga Akoranga COMET is excited to see WeSTEM’s continued success in west Auckland. Since its 2021 launch, WeSTEM has distributed over $190,000 to fund research projects that foster a love for STEAM in Pacific students.
The new WeSTEM 2023 Project Showcase proudly exhibits projects conducted by local youth, all of which share a common connection to te taiao, the natural world.
Dr. Sneh Patel, WeSTEM project manager and local west Auckland resident, expresses no surprise at this theme and highlights the importance of taking STEAM learning to the outdoors.
"WeSTEM offers tauira the chance to explore their own backyard and tackle issues that matter to them," says Dr. Patel. "Science doesn’t solely take place in laboratories, and our rangatahi need to see the applications of science all around them. From the Waitākere Ranges to the Whau River, what better backdrop for this learning?"
WeSTEM is supported by the Ministry of Pacific Peoples and prioritises making research and design relevant and accessible. By connecting participants with community partners and science mentors, the programme has fostered a vibrant learning environment for over 1200 west Auckland rangatahi.
Beyond individual projects, the showcase also sheds light on the wider outcomes of WeSTEM since its inception. By highlighting observed outcomes, it paints a clear picture of the program's positive influence on the community.