About Us

Welcome to the heart of STEPS Initiative!

 

STEPS, short for STEM Teacher/student Education for Primary Schools, is a global education revolution. Founded on the belief in the power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education, we’re committed to shattering boundaries and transforming lives.

 

Our journey starts in Benin, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but our vision spans the globe. We’re driven to ensure that every child has access to a world-class STEM education, no matter where they come from, the language they speak, or their economic circumstances.

 

Teachers are the soul of this revolution. Through our unique “train-the-trainers” model, we empower educators, equipping them with the tools they need to shape the minds of tomorrow.

 

Our curriculum goes beyond traditional boundaries, merging innovative technology with pedagogical excellence. It’s freely accessible, adaptive, and captivating, designed to engage young learners and foster their love for STEM.

 

Backed by the generous support of the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange, a joint endeavor with the International Development Research Centre, Canada., STEPS is more than an organization – it’s a movement.

 

Join us on this journey. Together, we are STEPS – revolutionizing primary STEM education, one child at a time.

Meet the STEPS Team

Get to know the team behind STEPS. Their combined expertise in mathematics education, research, and classroom practice drives the development of practical approaches that help learners build strong conceptual understanding and support teachers in delivering effective instruction.

Piet Human, Ph.D.

Curriculum Specialist
Dr. Human is a professional Math educator with many years of experience in conceptualizing, operationalizing, and managing reform projects in mathematics teaching at school, district, state, and national levels. His work includes curriculum writing, teacher training, and mentoring mathematics educators for and in leadership positions. He has also co-authored several series of mathematics textbooks in South Africa, in addition to being the lead writer of the Ukuqonda math curriculum, in a collaboration between the Ukuqonda Institute and the South Africa Department of Basic Education.

Marcy Hessling O'Neil, Ph.D.

STEPS Benin - Principal Investigator
Dr. O'Neil is an educator and applied anthropologist with experience in designing and managing educational programs across higher education and international development. Her work includes leading USAID-funded initiatives, developing student support strategies, and improving retention and institutional effectiveness. She has taught at the university level, integrating experiential and multimedia learning, and has led international collaborations producing bilingual books, films, and exhibitions. She also brings expertise in academic advising and student success. She is a Fulbright Alumna and co-founder of the Three Sisters : Trois Soeurs Foundation, supporting literacy programs in West Africa.

Teachers

are the soul of this revolution