26-year-old Charles Ofori Antipem wins MTN Heroes of Change Season V

Charles who saw an opportunity to change the science story in classrooms by building a ‘Science Set’ and mobile laboratory for students in deprived areas has emerged the ultimate winner of the MTN Heroes of Change Season V.

He walked home with the coveted prize of GH¢100,000 to continually transform the way of teaching and learning in science as well as increase the interest in the study of science in pupils.

From his base in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital, Charles and his young team have so far impacted 22,000 pupils who have experienced what they are taught and with 9,000 sets sold so far.

The project has also seen 550 teachers trained, 370 schools reached, 11 people employed, and 10 businesses directly benefitting from this project because everything about the set is manufactured right here in Ghana.

On his part, Charles stated that Science is a practical subject and as such one appreciates it better when practiced rather than taught.

He added, it is in his best interest to make the study of science very interesting to many pupils.

“This tool we have created have the chance to transform science education. The days of saying science can be all theory and practical can be over. We want every student in Ghana to have access to the science set. We want them to learn and build solar panels, robots, electronics and technology. Because the future is technology”. He stated

Charles mentioned, the ‘sluggish’ attitude of schools in accepting this new way of teaching and learning with the sets is his major challenge as the Ghanaian educational system favours more theory than practice, which hinders the deployment of these Science Sets in their tens of thousands, which shouldn't be the case.

Since the inception of MTN Heroes of Change in July 2013, a total of 40 people have been identified and recognized on MTN Heroes of Change platform for committing their personal resources to improve their communities and brightening lives.

The other nine nominees who won in various categories such as Education, Health and Economic empowerment are Diana Adjei, David Hagan, Louisa Enyonam Ansah, Rev Fr. Akologo Dominic Alale Azumah, Justin Yelevielbayire, Mawusi Awity, Daniel Owusu Asiamah, Frank Abeku Adams and Benjamin Akinkang.