TREXM Holdings Take IBSF Students on Journey to Career & STEM Success

Seven employees from TREXM Holdings, embarked on a  journey to the rural community of Ishahai, Nigeria. The volunteers – Amaka Ugochukwu, Deborah Oyedo, Adedeji Adewale, Olawunmi Arewa, Ibrahim Adegboyega, Elizabeth Atule, and Grace Okogwu – were driven by a shared commitment of TREXM Holdings to create the right opportunities for young Nigerian students to thrive.

Volunteers from TREXM Holdings (L-R) – Ibrahim Adegboyega, Olawunmi Arewa (Behind), Adedeji Adewale, Noa (The Shining Light School Rep), Deborah Oyedo, Grace Okogwu, Amaka Ugochukwu, Aisha (The Shining Light Beach School Rep), and Elizabeth Atule

Joining forces with representatives from The Shining Light Beach School Foundation, Noa and Aisha, the group embarked on a 40-minute boat ride from Lagos, leaving the bustling city behind to immerse themselves in the serene coastal community of Ishahai. Their destination was the Shining Light Beach School.

Upon arrival, the volunteers were warmly welcomed by the school community. They took the opportunity to tour the primary school facilities, gaining firsthand insights into the learning environment and the challenges faced by the students and educators. Afterwards, the TREXM team prepared to deliver a career development workshop tailored specifically for the secondary school students of The Shining Light Beach School.

About Shining Light Beach School

Shining Light Beach School is a unique educational institution located in the remote community of Ishahai, Nigeria. The school serves students from the surrounding villages and is only accessible by boat from the nearest city, Lagos.

Some Students Of Shining Light Beach School

The school’s mission is to provide quality education to children in this region, empowering them with knowledge and skills. Despite its remote location and limited resources, Shining Light Beach School has become a beacon of hope for the local community.

The school currently offers primary and secondary education to children. The dedicated teachers strive to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment, fostering a love for learning in their students.

The Career Development Workshop

The career development workshop, organized by volunteers from TREXM Holdings, aimed to inspire and empower students at Shining Light Beach School to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The workshop had two primary objectives: firstly, to inspire the children, and secondly, to guide the students in building a career path, and promote STEM studies.

The format of the workshop was interactive and engaging, designed to capture the attention and participation of the 30 secondary students from JS3 to SS2. The volunteers shared their personal career experiences and insights, offering valuable advice on mapping out a successful professional journey. They emphasized the importance of STEM skills and the vast array of rewarding career opportunities available in these fields.

To further involve the students, the workshop incorporated a quiz and surveys. These activities not only tested the students’ knowledge but also provided an opportunity for them to express their interests and aspirations. By actively participating, the students gained a deeper understanding of the topics discussed and could envision themselves pursuing STEM careers.

The volunteers’ primary goal was to broaden the students’ horizons and ignite their passion for STEM subjects. They aimed to dispel any misconceptions or barriers that might have prevented the students from considering these fields, emphasizing that STEM is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Promoting STEM Education

One of the primary objectives of the career development workshop was to inspire students to begin developing their career interests early and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

STEM disciplines are crucial for addressing global challenges, such as climate change, healthcare, and sustainable development. By encouraging students to explore these fields, the volunteers aimed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle complex problems and contribute to the advancement of society.

A student from The Shining Light School asking a question after one of the workshops

Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, the volunteers highlighted the exciting and rewarding nature of STEM professions. They shared real-life examples of how scientists, engineers, and technologists are making a tangible impact on the world, from developing life-saving medical technologies to designing sustainable infrastructure.

By fostering an early interest in STEM subjects, the workshop aimed to nurture the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. The volunteers emphasized that STEM education not only opens doors to lucrative career paths but also cultivates essential skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity – abilities that are valuable across various industries.

During the career workshop, the TREXM volunteers shared invaluable advice on mapping out a successful professional journey. They emphasized the importance of self-reflection, goal-setting, and continuous learning.

Volunteer Perspectives

For the TREXM volunteers, the career workshop was an eye-opening and impactful experience. Grace Okogwu, one of the volunteers, shared her perspective:

“It was really rewarding interacting with these bright, curious students. You could see the spark in their eyes as we discussed mapping out their future paths and the different possibilities that are out there for them career-wise. Our goal was to expose them to new possibilities beyond traditional expectations and I hope it worked.”

Adedeji Adewale echoed this sentiment, noting, “It was great to go to the Shining Light School to inspire a global mindset and show the students that if they can embrace focus and hard work in pursuing their educational and career dreams, they sky is just their starting point.”

One of the staff from TREXM speaking to the students

The volunteers were impressed by the students’ eagerness to learn and participate. Elizabeth Atule remarked, “I was impressed by how smart the students are and how they were able to answer the quiz questions we engaged them on. It’s indeed a testament of how dedicated and hardworking their teachers are.”

For Olawunmi Arewa, the experience reinforced the importance of corporate volunteering initiatives. “It was inspiring to see how businesses are not only focusing on their financial success but also on contributing to the well-being of communities. I believe that CSR initiatives like this are vital as they help bridge the gap between

Overall, the TREXM volunteers found the experience deeply gratifying and motivating. They returned to Lagos with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to continue advocating for STEM education and career development among Nigerian youth.

Student Reactions

The career development workshop left a lasting impression on the students of Shining Light Beach School. Their active participation through quizzes and surveys demonstrated their eagerness to learn and explore new opportunities.

Out of 30 of the students surveyed, 28 of found the workshop very helpful in exploring career options while 29 of the students felt the workshop significantly enhanced their skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Another staff from TREXM making a presentation to the students

Beyond the STEM focus, students found the advice on mapping career paths invaluable.

Overall, the students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from professionals and gain insights into the world of work. Their enthusiasm and curiosity bode well for the next generation of Nigerian leaders in STEM and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As the career development workshop drew to a close, both TREXM Holdings and Shining Light Beach School envision a long-term collaboration that not only inspires students to pursue STEM fields but also equips them with the necessary skills and mindset to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market. The volunteers from TREXM were deeply inspired by the enthusiasm and potential of the Ishahai students, fueling their desire to provide ongoing support and mentorship.

For TREXM, this initiative aligns perfectly with their corporate social responsibility goals of empowering communities and nurturing future talent.