PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: October 12, 2025
Contact: info@stemdup.org | (718) 822-5555 | (917) 587-8150
Website: www.stemdup.org
Newark, NJ — The STEMDUP Institute, under the leadership of its founder and chairman Sheikh Musa Drammeh, in collaboration with the Regional Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations (RCNMO), hosted a full-day Robotics and Innovation Workshop on Saturday, October 12, at Masjid Muba, Nigerian American Islamic Mission (NAIM Center), located at 221 Bergen Street, Newark, New Jersey.
Running from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the workshop formed part of the RCNMO Education Workshop Series, a joint initiative focused on equipping young people with essential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills through interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
The session, coordinated and led by Mariam O. Agbelusi, emphasized creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking through robotics and coding exercises. Participants were encouraged to bring their own laptops, tablets, and smartphones to explore PictoBlox, a beginner-friendly coding platform that introduces learners to programming through robotics and animation.
“This session is dynamic, interactive, and full of creative exploration,” said Agbelusi, the workshop’s coordinator and instructor. “It’s not just about learning to code robots — it’s about empowering young people to innovate, collaborate, and develop problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their lives.”
The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students, parents, and community members, transforming Masjid Muba into a vibrant hub of innovation and teamwork. Attendees described the workshop as both “fun and educational,” praising its interactive format and focus on real-world learning.
The STEMDUP Institute, whose name stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Diversity, Unity, and Peace, continues to bridge the gap between technology and community education. Founded by Sheikh Musa Drammeh, a respected Bronx-based interfaith and community leader, the institute aims to leverage education as a tool for empowerment, unity, and peacebuilding.
“Our mission is to prepare the next generation not just to adapt to the future but to lead it,” said Sheikh Drammeh. “Through collaborations like this with RCNMO, we are ensuring that every child — regardless of background — has access to the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to thrive in a changing world.”
Through initiatives like the RCNMO Education Workshops, the STEMDUP Institute seeks to promote inclusion, diversity, and innovation by engaging immigrant and underserved communities in STEM learning. These programs encourage youth to embrace technology as a vehicle for creativity, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding.
The Newark robotics workshop also aligns with STEMDUP’s broader vision to build sustainable educational ecosystems by partnering with mosques, schools, and community organizations across the United States and Africa. By merging tradition and technology, the institute is creating opportunities for youth to develop both technical skills and a sense of social responsibility.
As the workshop concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of curiosity and confidence. “STEM education isn’t only about science and technology,” added Agbelusi. “It’s about shaping mindsets — helping young people realize they can be creators, innovators, and problem-solvers within their communities.”
The success of the Newark event underscores STEMDUP Institute’s growing impact in advancing equitable and inclusive STEM education. In a world increasingly defined by technology, the institute’s approach reminds us that progress flourishes where knowledge, diversity, and unity meet.
About STEMDUP Institute
The STEMDUP Institute is a pioneering educational organization promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Diversity, Unity, and Peace. Founded by Sheikh Musa Drammeh, STEMDUP is committed to empowering youth and communities through innovative education, cultural inclusion, and peace-centered learning models.
To support our initiative, p
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