Cemastea, the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa, has rolled out a new project geared at overhauling science education in Kenya. With experiential learning, this program is likely to produce a generation of learners ready to take up the challenge and pioneer technological development within the country.
Cemastea recently conducted a four-day STEM Mentorship and Outreach Programme in Kilifi county. The programme was outlined to inspire junior school learners and arm them with skills and knowledge necessary to compete at top levels in STEM subjects. Guided by Cemastea programme coordinator Beatrice Macharia, the outreach engaged students and teachers from various schools, such as Gandini, Kachororoni, Magogoni, and Pingilikani, in interactive STEM activities.
This is a very good programme because we showcase to learners and even teachers innovative activities that can enhance the teaching and learning of STEM-related areas,” said Macharia. “Activities we have include in mathematics, Integrated Science, and ICT. We also cover a bit on climate change in relation to the current global issues.”
Cemastea has developed innovative teaching and learning materials to keep pace with learners’ interest in STEM education and move 60 percent of the learners into the pathway in senior school. According to Macharia, hands-on activities would foster creativity among learners. That is why she advocated for a system where learners have to see materials themselves. “We are saying, don’t tell learners, let learners do,” she said.
Top education chiefs and school managers have welcomed the initiative. Ganze subcounty director of education Rashid Hamisi said the programme had aroused curiosity and interest among students in the STEM programme. He spoke during a visit at Kachororoni Junior Secondary School and added that it may inspire more learners to embrace sciences. Hamisi heralded the fact that teachers were part of the programme, which improved their teaching approaches in tandem with the Competency-Based Curriculum.
The Curriculum Support Officer in charge of Kakoneni Zone, Julius Kahindi, commended the programme, saying it physically exposes learners to the real world of innovation and technology, something that many schools cannot do due to lack of equipment. He called on the government and stakeholders to support the STEM outreach programme to enable it to reach more schools and become more sustainable.
In any case, headteachers from the host schools were upbeat about the programme. According to the headteacher of Kachororoni, Susan Chome, and Gandini Junior School’s Ellen Mwaringa, there is a need for more such resources and a regular STEM outreach to inspire the students towards better performance.
This move by Cemastea is going to fill the missing link in practical learning for integrated science and mathematics as Kenya nurtures a new breed of innovative problem solvers.