A National Champion - Helen Tekalign's Achievement and the Magic of Student-Teacher Support

In a remarkable showcase of scientific prowess and technological innovation, the recent Science and Technology Competition held in Addis Ababa witnessed the triumph of Helen Tekalign, a prodigious student from Assosa Primary School. Organised by STEM Synergy, this prestigious event brought together 178 students, presenting a total of 211 projects, among which Helen Tekalign stood out by securing third place in the nationwide science and technology competition.

Helen's journey to success began long before the fair, as she had already achieved regional recognition in Benishangul-Gumuz. However, her steadfast dedication and passion for technology led her to surpass her own achievements and emerge as one of the top talents in the country. Her entry for the competition was a website that she developed for Pharo School Assosa. She showcased her technical skills as she programmed the website entirely on her own and from scratch. Helen devoted two months to the development process, single-handedly handling all aspects of programming.

Her remarkable achievement is amplified by the fact that she is self-taught in programming. She was initially introduced to the field by a teacher. However, her pursuit of knowledge led her to use various online resources, primarily utilising YouTube videos and other materials to master programming skills, which is a testament to her determination and resourcefulness.

Her talent and interest in the STEM sector, together with that of Takele, are a true reflection of the Pharo education system. We harness the innate talent of our pupils by combining it with the input of passionate teachers who are at the top of their game and constantly looking to improve themselves in their fields. This virtuous circle between student and teacher is especially obvious when it comes to STEM subjects at our schools.?

The fair, held from November 13 to 17, 2023, hosted participants across three categories: grades 7-8, grades 9-10, and grades 11-12. Helen competed in category 1 (grades 7-8) and was among the 13 students representing the Benishangul-Gumuz region.

Her website creation project stood out among other exceptional entries. However, she noted that there was one other innovative entry that caught her eye. It was a sensor designed to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating their surroundings. This sensor aids in detecting obstacles, offering guidance to enhance the safety and independence of blind pedestrians. She applauded this project for its social benefits, which also partly reflects the values which she has been taught during her time at a Pharo School.

The victory at the nationwide fair has left Helen elated and motivated. She said: "When I heard my name for the prize, I was very excited. I think what my victory has shown me is that I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it and work hard."

Eager to build upon her success, she is already eyeing next year's competition with enthusiasm and ambition. Currently, Helen is delving deeper into the world of technology and is actively involved in developing diverse applications and software. She has made everyone at the Pharo Foundation proud and has given Assosa Primary School national recognition.