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LOCAL Thursday 29 augusT 2019

Taking STEM to the Next Level

Continued from Page 14 tion is: why not multi-disciplinary?
Since this is the most important as-
STEAM on Aruba? pect of innovative education. By
During the summer break I took no- putting such great importance on
tice of the innovation camp orga- STEM subjects you will eventually
nized by FUTURA where local kids exclude students of developing
had the opportunity to interact in other capabilities that will compli-
an innovative, creative and knowl- ment the more technical skills or
edge friendly space with the in- you can exclude more “creative
tention of introducing them to the and artistic” students of innovat-
world of STEM. Interestingly, in the ing. It would be interesting for edu-
Education Policy 2030, the Aruban cation policy makers, educators, ity to offer the world, so let’s start model further, but for now, just
Government confirmed their vision and other relevant stakeholders young and equipping our students know that the synergy between
of shifting the Aruban education to consider analyzing how the US with the most versatile and resilient the creative industry and knowl-
system to a more inclusive, diverse, is using the STEAM program within framework currently in the world edge economy could offer Aruba
multi-lingual approach so it can their curriculum and who this could known to encourage innovation in a lot more than just socio-econom-
sustain the vision of Aruba to be- be translated to the Aruban con- communities. For sure in future col- ic development, it can truly inspire
come more innovative. My ques- text. Aruba has so much creativ- umn I will break down the STEAM innovation. q

Biography – Currently, Thaïs Franken is a 23-year-old Aruban student at the University of Maastricht (UM).
She is studying a Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development in collaboration with the
Unites Nations University (UNU). Back home, on the beautiful island of Aruba she completed her Bachelor
of Arts in Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) at the University of Aruba (UA). She success-
fully graduated and defended her thesis titled “Placing Culture and Creativity at the Heart of the Aruban
Sustainable Development” on July 6th 2018. Thaïs is very passionate about topics such as sustainability,
innovation, culture and creativity. Next to her academic interests, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing
and cooking.