University of Ladakh celebrates 50th Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camp
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), India and the University of Ladakh, Leh Ladakh are organising a four-day residential Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camp for Grade IX students from August 16-19, 2023. This is the 50th Chemistry Camp overall and the first to be held in Ladakh.
The aim of the Chemistry Camp is to promote appreciation for chemistry by providing school students from diverse backgrounds, an opportunity to explore practical chemistry and inspire them to pursue chemistry at university and further.
These chemistry camps are being organised as part of the RSC Yusuf Hamied Inspirational Science Programme, hosted by the University of Ladakh and have almost 70 students participating from 27 schools from various villages of Leh district such as Tangtsey, Chushul, Korzok, Chumathang, Anley, Nyooma, Tyakshi, Partapur, Lamayuru, Baima and Hanuyokma, among others.
Paul Lewis, Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “It is inspiring to see our RSC India colleagues working together with members of the education community in India, delivering this series of Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camps. They are an excellent example of how our partnership with Dr Hamied supports Indian students as well as the wider international chemical sciences community.”
Dr. Yusuf Hamied said: “I am proud to see the 50th chemistry camp taking place, knowing how inspirational these experiences can be for the scientists of the future. Hats off to the RSC in India for their inclusive approach to organising such Chemistry Camps in more remote places like Ladakh – and for the enthusiasm of our partners in the region for this kind of outreach activity.
“We want to encourage and motivate students to achieve the knowledge and skills they need to go on to study chemistry at university and, eventually to make a strong contribution to India’s success, as well as facing up to global challenges on health and sustainability.”
Since its launch in 2015 we have successfully delivered 49 Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camps in India, across 20 states in India in, 11 regional languages, to over 2500 students at 1000+ schools, many from underprivileged backgrounds.
The program also supports training teachers and has so far completed Teacher Training workshops for over 40,000 teachers by recruiting and training new Teacher Developers to cover most regions of India.
The initiative is supported by Dr Hamied with £940,000 in phase two, with an aim to give Indian teachers new tools for delivering engaging and effective science lessons, and to encourage students to reach the necessary standards to study science at university.
