Mobin Sikder, a student of Chemistry at Jahangirnagar University, is the founder of Science Bee, an online platform that aims to educate youngsters about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

He started his journey with Science Bee in 2018. "I noticed that from school to university, we are overly reliant on memorising STEM topics, rather than understanding them," says Mobin. "I want to show people that science is a fun subject, and keep them updated on the progress in   STEM fields." Mobin won the YEF Global Changemaker Award 2021 in the Grand Global Jury Commendation category recently, for his outstanding contribution towards STEM education.

Members of Science Bee produce skits and shows on different STEM topics for their audience, mainly on their YouTube channel. "The Bee Show is a programme by us, where we practically explain different topics in engaging ways," says Mobin. "In addition, our blogs and news section highlight our nation's scientists and scientific progress around the globe."

Mobin is a web developer and graphic designer by profession. "YouTube has been my teacher for web development and graphics designing," he asserts. "I created the Science Bee website back in 2019. We run webinars, Q&A challenges, blogs, and online debates."

Science Bee's website reached 2 lakh visitors in September 2020. More recently, Science Bee secured the first position amongst 75 organisations around the country at the BYLC Volunteer Awards 2021, for their commendable work during the pandemic.

"Funding is a huge problem for a non-profit platform like ours. Even after all the hard work we put in, many see us as show-offs who are doing it for quick fame," asserts Mobin. "At the beginning, I was paying for everything from my own pockets. Afterwards, other members of Science Bee started to contribute."

Science Bee currently has 10 core team members and 20 leading members. "I organise the core and sub-teams, making sure that everyone works in harmony," says Sadia Binte Chowdhury, Head of Operations.

During the pandemic, Science Bee organised health and science-related live shows with various noted personalities under their initiative, "Call It Out: Fight For Depression". They also conducted comprehensive quiz competitions where more than 4,000 students participated.

Science Bee also published two books, "EK Jon Manush" (2020), a science fiction story featuring a futuristic robot and human war by Saidul Hossain Al-Amin, and "Basics of Rocket Science Engineering" by Moinul Islam Bappy.

"Science Bee is still not fully available to rural audiences. I plan to reach out to every corner of Bangladesh with our initiatives," concludes Mobin.

The author is a freelance journalist. Email: akhlakurrahmancharles@gmail.com.