In an effort to help equip students with the necessary skills to survive and thrive in an increasingly data-driven world, the Bureau of Statistics hosted sixteen students from secondary schools across Georgetown at its first-ever Data Science Camp, a release from the Bureau informed yesterday.
The camp was hosted at the Bureau’s head office in Georgetown and ran from August 23 to 25. Students were introduced to the basics of data collection, analysis, visualisation, and interpretation, while fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. This activity is also part of the efforts of the Bureau to foster an interest in data science among the school-aged population.
According to the release, for three days the students were immersed in “fun, engaging and educational” exercises and presentations which focussed on formulating research questions, survey design, sampling, data cleaning, analysis, visualisation, and interpretation. They were also given the opportunity to conduct a survey among a sample of the organisation’s staff, which dealt with staff well-being in the workplace. This exercise, it added, allowed them to further develop their interpersonal skills. They were subsequently tasked with analysing the data they collected, displaying it on various graphs and charts and delivering presentations with their findings.
Queen’s College student, Shabaka Yisrael spoke well of the experience. “It was a very fun experience and I wish the camp would have lasted longer instead of just three days. I fully understand now the types of data and the scientific data process. I would definitely participate again.”
And Precious Bristol of the New Campbellville Secondary school said she had fun and made friends. “My experience was quite fun; I made some new friends and I think I would love to come back again.” She added that she learnt about data cleaning and data analysis. According to her, it was a good experience interviewing staff, but she was particularly nervous interviewing the Chief Statistician.
The release noted that in addition to being a learning experience for the students, the data science camp gave the Bureau invaluable information regarding the tailoring of future engagements with the school-aged population. The intention, it disclosed, is to make this an annual activity and build on the first experience, expanding to include students from schools in other regions and developing a wider curriculum.
Chief Statistician, Errol La Cruez, in his address to the students noted that data is the most valuable commodity in the world and that “the future of human civilization will depend heavily on how well data is used to our advantage.”
He added, “It’s important that as future leaders in Guyana and in the world, you develop an understanding and you build that tool kit that is needed, that is vital for your survival in a future that is going to be even more dependent on data and statistics than it is right now.”
