In an inspiring display of innovation and resilience, two hearing-impaired students from Kibi School for the Deaf have made their mark at this year’s Robotics Competition (AIRTAD), held in Accra on February 28. The event saw Mawuli Nutsugah, 17, and Thomas Djabatey, 20, emerge as the 1st runners-up, making waves in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education field as they demonstrated the potential of accessible learning tools in underserved communities.
The two young inventors embarked on their journey with a shared vision to bridge educational gaps for deaf students. Observing that their peers struggled with understanding elements and atomic numbers, Mawuli and Thomas spearheaded the creation of a “Smart Periodic Table,” a hands-on, accessible tool that makes learning the periodic table interactive and engaging for the deaf community. Built from wood and powered by batteries, the table allows users to place a metal-tipped wire on an atomic number, generating instant information about elements, including categories like metals, metalloids, and non-metals. Their project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 9, emphasizing inclusive education and technological innovation.
Reflecting on their achievement, Mawuli expressed pride in their journey, noting, “When you look at where we come from and where we are now, it is sometimes difficult to believe the changes in our life. Today we have the opportunity to learn information technology, science, and robotics at no cost to us. This makes me feel that my future is secured, and I can contribute to the betterment of society.” Despite losing her hearing after an early illness, Mawuli has embraced her identity as a change-maker in her community.
For Thomas, who was born deaf, the program has opened doors to new interests and skills. “The deaf students were having a challenge connecting elements to their atomic numbers. So it led to their lack of interest in the subjects, and they thought of really developing something that will help them to learn about the elements and atomic numbers,” he shared, crediting the Yamoransa Model Labs program for fostering his growing interest in robotics and programming.
The AIRTAD competition and Yamoransa Model Labs, both initiatives led by IMPLEMENTERS, are dedicated to making STEAM education accessible to youth in underserved communities by establishing modern labs throughout Ghana. Since 2018, the program has equipped over 35,000 students across West Africa with essential skills in ICT, engineering, and robotics. Mawuli and Thomas are a testament to the transformative impact of inclusive STEAM education, proving that all young people, regardless of physical limitations, can excel and inspire others.
As the competition concluded, Mawuli and Thomas set their sights on the future: Mawuli hopes to mentor other students in robotics, while Thomas is driven to deepen his programming knowledge. Their story continues to be a beacon of perseverance, hope, and the potential of accessible STEAM education.
