25 October, Beijing, China. British International Education Association (BIEA) & China Plastics Reuse and Recycling Association (CPRRA) announced joint strategic partnership in the effort of encouraging young people to develop solutions tackling plastic pollution through STEM. An MoU for the partnership was signed by David Hanson, STEM Chairman of BIEA and Ms Nanqing Jiang, Secretary-General of CPRRA.
he BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition is BIEA’s flagship programme designed to encourage students between the age of 9 -21 to pursue study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It presents a unique opportunity to motivate the next generation of leaders who will change the way we explore and connect in the world. One theme is chosen and announced each year (in January) to reflect the pressing issues and challenges in today’s world and how technology could be used in solving these challenges. There are five main components to the competition: report writing, innovation, presentation, Dragon’s Den style pitching and mission execution. With teamwork as the heart of the competition, students are developing critical skills that are essential for the future no matter what career paths they chose to take.
The 2020 competition theme is on the most challenging problem our planet faces today: STEM the Tide of Plastic Pollution.
China Plastics Reuse and Recycling Association (CPRRA) is the largest professional association for the plastic recycling industry in China, representing manufacturers, research institutions and trading companies in the sector. It has made a significant and continuing impact on plastic recycling programmes in China.
China Plastics Reuse and Recycling Association (CPRRA) is the largest professional association for the plastic recycling industry in China, representing manufacturers, research institutions and trading companies in the sector. It has made a significant and continuing impact on plastic recycling programmes in China.
Through the unique BIEA International STEM Competition format, both BIEA and CPRRA will reach more young people to actively participate in solving the global plastic crisis. Joint efforts will be focusing on three initial areas in China:
- BIEA 2020 competition theme technical support
- Nationwide events for young people raising awareness and participation in plastics recycling
- Developing a national information platform and associated educational resources on plastics
On the joint partnership, David said, this is an important milestone in BIEA’s International STEM Competition, with CPRRA, we are bringing STEM education for young people to the forefront of China’s plastic recycling industry. Nanqing who was United Nation’s Environmental Programme National Officer in China for ten years also agreed that the fight against plastic pollution has to be led by the future generation and with BIEA’s expertise in international STEM education, CPRRA is well on track in its mission to inform and educate young people about plastic waste.
The 2020 competition is now open for registration.
Details of competition guideline will be emailed to registered schools on 15th January 2020.
