Aditya Aluminium sets up mini science centres to foster STEM learning in Sambalpur schools

By Subrat Sarangi

Bhubaneswar, April 22 :  Aditya Aluminium, an Aditya Birla Group company has taken a significant step towards enhancing STEM education by establishing Mini Science Centres in five schools within the Sambalpur district. This initiative aims to make science and technology more accessible and engaging for students, fostering a practical understanding of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr Jagannath Prasad Nayak, the Unit Head at Aditya Aluminium, said, “At Aditya Aluminium, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a progressive society. The Mini Science Centres are part of our commitment to fostering educational development and creating opportunities for young minds to explore the world of science. We are proud to support the schools in Sambalpur and look forward to seeing the students excel in STEM subjects.”

The Mini Science Centre is designed to change traditional teaching methods by introducing quality teaching aids that support interactive and experiential learning. With a focus on improving students’ aptitude and skills, the centre provides a platform for both students and teachers to explore and demonstrate their scientific knowledge. The initiative aligns with modern educational paradigms that emphasize practical learning and effective teaching strategies.

During the financial year (FY2024-25), Aditya Aluminium equipped five selected schools with 80 pieces of science equipment each, benefiting 697 students from grades 5 to 10. The installation of this equipment marks a pivotal enhancement in the schools’ ability to teach science and mathematics in an innovative and hands-on manner. In addition to the infrastructure, the company also organised a Training of Trainers (TOT) program for teachers, ensuring they are well-prepared to utilize the new resources effectively.

The inauguration of the Mini Science Centre witnessed enthusiasm from students, teachers, and local community members.

Manoj Naik, the Headmaster of Lapanga Govt High School, expressed his gratitude, saying: “The Mini Science Centre has transformed the way our students engage with science. It has brought textbooks to life, allowing students to witness scientific principles in action. This hands-on experience is invaluable for their academic growth.”

One of the students, Alok Sahu, a 9th grader, shared his excitement: “I always found science challenging, but the new equipment makes learning fun and easy to understand. I can now perform experiments that were only theoretical before. It’s made me more curious about how things work.”

The implementation of the Mini Science Centre has already shown promising results. An evaluation by an agency revealed that students were actively engaging with the scientific equipment, and teachers were effectively incorporating these tools into their teaching. During the DET immersion program, post-evaluation interactions and demonstrations confirmed the progressive impact of the initiative.

Students and teachers alike have highlighted the benefits of the Mini Science Centres, acknowledging Aditya Aluminium for its support. This initiative not only empowers students towards a deeper understanding of STEM subjects but also underscores the company’s commitment to social responsibility and educational development.

As a responsible corporate citizen and driven by the constant motivation to give back to society, in Odisha, the Aditya Birla Group reaches out to more than 5 lakhs people touching over 2 lakh lives in 128 villages. The Group’s CSR is conducted under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development chaired by Mrs. Rajashree Birla.  The Group’s vision is to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities in which we operate. In doing so, build a better, sustainable way of life for the weaker sections of society. And raise the country’s human development index. The Group’s CSR vision is aligned with UNSDG goals to eliminate poverty and ensure freedom from hunger