Waste not! Students tackle home food scraps during lockdown

Award presentation and launch of International STEM Competition on Plastic Pollution

21 Jan 2021 -- Acknowledging the urgency for climate action, the British International Education Association (BIEA), is doing its part to change the reality of the planet. In view of this principle, the organisation will host an award ceremony on Thursday, 28th January, to recognise outstanding projects from young students in the BIEA “Autumn STEM Challenge”. The event will also feature the launch of the BIEA 2021 international STEM competition.

The virtual award presentation will have students under 18 years old from the UK and China sharing their experience of turning organic kitchen waste into compost, meeting the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.

The challenge was organised by the BIEA and China Soong Ching Ling Science and Cultural Centre in response to the national lockdown. It aims to raise the level of environmental enthusiasm among students as well as to stimulate their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

For Dr Alex Holmes, BIEA Head of STEM, the compost project holds great importance in the young students’ lives and education. “We are glad to see them not only discover the fun of composting, but also develop their STEM skills along the way, learning about microbiology, environmental sustainability, making observation records and challenging themselves to think like a true scientist,” she explains.

The 2021 BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition will also be officially launched during the ceremony. Under the title “ (Re)Pack to Restore Our World”, the competition will ask young people to develop alternative ways of sustainably packing lunches for school and the workplace. The project aspires to highlight healthy eating in schools around the globe, helping students to learn about nutrition, body development, and cultural diversity.

“We know these young people can and will make a real difference in reducing plastic pollution and helping to save the environment,” says David Hanson, BIEA STEM Chairman. “With our newest project, we will continue our efforts to STEM the tide of plastic pollution, because there is no Planet B.”

Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), scheduled to be held in November this year in Glasgow, the 2021 competition has a significant connection to the premise of the world’s most important climate change summit. ‘I can’t wait to see yet more ambition and innovation from young people on tackling climate change in 2021.’ said Ken O'Flaherty, UK government's COP26 Regional Ambassador to Asia-Pacific and South Asia, who is presenting the awards at the ceremony.

“The competition is born out of the desire to cultivate these scientific, technological and humanitarian attitudes towards the world through education,” says the BIEA’s STEM Chairman. “The development of science and technology should focus on the comprehensive development and care of human beings and life in the wider environment, providing positive progress for the planet as a whole.”

The STEM competition is in its fourth year and attracts entries from 45 countries. It has gained popularity among girls (40% of entries) with its changing humanitarian and environmental themes. The free to enter competition fulfils BIEA's mission to make STEM education and resources inclusive and accessible to all.

Notes to Editors

Media contact: Helen Hu, media officer, hhu@biea.org.uk, +447766554217, Twitter: @bieaeducation

Interview opportunities, please contact BIEA media officer.

> Mr David Hanson, STEM Chairman, BIEA
> Dr Alex Holmes, Head of STEM, BIEA
> Mr Ken O'Flaherty, UK government's COP26 Regional Ambassador to Asia-Pacific and South Asia
> Mr Jun Zhao, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (based in Beijing, 8 hours ahead of UK)
> Mr Adrian Fenton, STEM Lead, British Council
> Miss Thandiwe Banda, STEM Lead, Beacon School UK (2020 competition winner mentor)

About British International Education Association

The British International Education Association exists to promote and export the best British educational practices overseas. BIEA is a not for profit organisation which works to promote STEM and early-years educational practices to overseas teachers and institutions. BIEA also runs the International STEM Youth Innovation Competition www.bieacompetition.org.uk which aims to promote STEM education and careers for young people all over the world. For more information, please visit www.biea.org.uk

About China Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Centre
The Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Centre is part of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. The foundation is a public welfare foundation established in 1986 by the China Welfare Institute. It's one of the largest children's charities in China. Since its inception, the foundation has implemented projects and activities in education, culture, health and medicine and other socially sustainable fields to the benefit of the public. Please visit www.ssclf.net


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About British International Education Association

The British International Education Association exists to promote and export the best British educational practices overseas. BIEA is a not for profit organisation which works to promote STEM and early-years educational practices to overseas teachers and institutions. BIEA also runs the International STEM Youth Innovation Competition www.bieacompetition.org.uk which aims to promote STEM education and careers for young people all over the world. For more information, please visit www.biea.org.uk


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