More girls have been passing Science, Mathematics and Technology exams in the last five years, forcing the inclusion of boys into the Girls in ICT program.

This was revealed at the 10th anniversary of the Girls in ITC (Information, Technology and Communication) at the Salamasina Hall on Tuesday.

 The Girls ITC in Samoa is a program of the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva, and its main goal throughout the years has been promoting and celebrating girls' participation in ITC to increase the number of girls taking STEM subjects.

The program has now been changed due to more girls passing science, maths and technology exams. This led to the government’s decision to change the name of the program from Girls in ICT to Youth in ICT to bridge the gap.

Regulator Lematua Gisa Purcell said technology was a way forward for any government.  

"As we have Artificial Intelligence (AI), a really useful tool but on the other hand, we have to be very careful in addressing the challenges that come with using this tool," she said. 

16 schools from Savaii and Upolu were present, eager to learn more about the program.

"The program was very educational for teachers and students.  The importance of the use of technology, such as keeping information safe, cybersecurity, cyberbullying and the pros and cons of using Artificial Intelligence was told," Palauli College teacher Asiata Junior. 

"From the beginning, this program was only for girls, but now boys have the opportunity. This will be a good challenge for them to take on these subjects and for us teachers to encourage students to take the STEM subjects. Taking these subjects results in more opportunities for them in the future.

Palauli College student, Susitina Faafete, 16, said the program was very important.

"We learnt more about the use of AI and technology in helping us with assignments and their effect on our learning. I am currently taking two of the STEM subjects, such as science and mathematics. My dream is to be a doctor in the future,” she said.