Nanan STEM Academy Showcases Student Talent at Annual Fair

Students from Nanan STEM Academy displayed their talents in various fields, including coding, robotics, video game design, 3D printing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy during a student fair held at the Saskatchewan Science Centre. This event, now in its fourth year, offered a platform for students to demonstrate their skills and learn from one another.

Shaun Nanan, co-founder of Nanan STEM Academy, emphasized the importance of this fair in a technology-driven world. “They would learn things like math and creativity, logical sequencing, troubleshooting, coding and resiliency, and fortitude,” he noted during the event on October 7, 2023. He believes that such experiences help students gain confidence, especially when presenting their video game projects to the public.

Nanan also highlighted the significance of non-technical skills in entrepreneurship. He stated, “Leadership, collaboration, communication, cultural competency, fortitude, resiliency,” are crucial components of a well-rounded education. Interactive STEM activities serve as a means to cultivate these skills. “These students that may have been shy at the beginning are now confident in showcasing their project,” he explained.

The event attracted various participants, including Abdurahman Honey, a student support assistant from Truly Alive. Honey, who is in his second year at the University of Saskatchewan, expressed his enthusiasm for teaching robotics to younger students. “It’s something fun that the kids have been doing, and I wanted to expose them to something that’s robotics related,” he said. He hopes that these experiences will inspire students to pursue larger applications and software development in the future.

The Nanan STEM Academy expressed gratitude for the resources that have made these opportunities possible. Nanan indicated that similar STEM events are conducted biannually across Saskatchewan, occurring in October and April. This consistent engagement is aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and skill development among students.

Overall, the student fair not only showcased technical abilities but also emphasized the importance of soft skills necessary for future success. By providing a comprehensive learning environment, the Nanan STEM Academy continues to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.