Empowering the Next Generation - Reflections on TU Dublin’s Transformative STEAM Workshop

As a parent and an advocate for inclusive education, I am always searching for opportunities that ignite curiosity and confidence in young minds. Recently, my daughter Minha, my son, and I had the privilege to participate in a truly inspiring initiative at TU Dublin, a hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) workshop designed to transform how children engage with science and technology.

Learning and Facilitating Together

Minha and my son were among the enthusiastic young participants, while I had the honor of contributing as a volunteer facilitator. This unique perspective allowed me to witness the workshop’s impact both as a parent and as an active supporter of the programme.

From the outset, the workshop led by Dr. Somayeh Mohammady and her dedicated team stood out for its commitment to inclusion and creativity. The activities were not only educational but also culturally resonant. For example, building an “Eid Mubarak” light display brought science concepts to life in a way that felt personal and meaningful to many children, including my own.

This Approach Matters

Too often, science education can feel abstract or inaccessible, especially for children from diverse backgrounds. TU Dublin’s approach breaks down these barriers by making science hands-on and fun where children learned by doing, which boosted their confidence and sparked genuine excitement.

Celebrating diversity by the multicultural team of instructors and the inclusive project themes ensured every child felt seen and valued. This also empowers parents and families by involving parents as facilitators created a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

The joy and pride on Minha’s and my son’s faces as well as those of their peers were the best indicators of the workshop’s success. They didn’t just learn about circuits or coding; they saw themselves as inventors and creators. The positive feedback from families echoed this sentiment: when science education is accessible, inclusive, and relevant, it has the power to transform lives.

If we want to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and creators, we need more initiatives like this program that are hands-on, diverse, and full of possibility. I am deeply grateful to TU Dublin and all the organizers for their vision and commitment.

I encourage fellow parents, educators, and community members to read more about this remarkable workshop and consider how we can collectively support similar efforts in our own communities.

Read more about the workshop here: Transforming Science Education and Empowering the Next Generation – TU Dublin

Note: This article was written with the support of AI to help structure and articulate my reflections.