Our partnership began in 2024 when WAGGGS received a grant from the KLA Foundation and the project will be delivered over two and a half years working closely with three of our Member Organisations Girl Guides Association of Malaysia, Girl Guides Singapore, and Girl Scouts of Taiwan. Together we hope to reach over 8,000 girls and young women in the region.
Importantly, the programme we will go beyond STEM knowledge and fun STEM activities, to give girls and young women the support they need to take action, lead, and advocate for change. We’ll build their understanding of the challenges girls and women face in participating equally in STEM and help them to make their voices heard in challenging and removing the barriers that exist.
Core to the programme will be the training that we deliver to our dedicated adult volunteer leaders in each country. We will give them the skills they need to deliver the STEM programme, but we will also strengthen their capacity as leaders and build on their understanding of our unique non-formal education methodology. By doing this, they become essential supportive role models in championing greater participation for girls and young women in STEM.
“At the heart of the KLA Foundation is the desire to create opportunities and increase long-term access to educational resources - especially in STEM fields. We are excited to be working with WAGGGS to bring this STEM initiative to girls and young women in three countries in Asia where our KLA communities operate.”
Jen Shea, Executive Director, KLA Foundation
We were delighted to officially launch the partnership in Singapore last week during the Girl Guides Singapore World Thinking Day celebrations. It was great to have WAGGGS World Board Chair Candela Gonzalez, and KLA Foundation representative Ray Chua take part!
