CEMASTEA Extends Science Training to Junior Schools.
The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has launched a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach and mentorship programme.
The initiative aims to inspire junior school students to embrace science subjects as they prepare for senior school.
This programme is specifically designed for learners in grades seven, eight, and nine, equipping them with necessary skills before they transition to senior school. The government anticipates that 60% of these students will opt for the STEM pathway.
According to Beatrice Macharia, the CEMASTEA Programme Coordinator, experienced trainers are actively engaging students with innovative teaching strategies. The focus is on fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
The aim is to help students perceive STEM as not just formulas and equations but as subjects applicable to real-life situations.
The training sessions integrate practical STEM-related activities to make the subjects engaging and relevant to students’ daily experiences. By emphasizing hands-on learning, the trainers seek to enhance curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities among learners.
During a recent visit to various junior schools in Uasin Gishu County, the programme coordinator expressed optimism that their efforts would inspire students to pursue science-related subjects. This would, in turn, help them make informed career choices as they progress to senior school and beyond.
CEMASTEA intends to expand the programme across different counties over time. However, Macharia acknowledged that financial constraints limit the number of schools they can reach annually.
She highlighted the need for a sustainable approach, advocating for the training of teachers who would then mentor students within their respective counties.
Schools and Counties Benefiting from the Initiative
The initiative has so far benefited five junior schools in Uasin Gishu County: Sugoi, AIC Mois Bridge, St. Georges Kapseret, Munyaka, and Racecourse. Additionally, since its inception less than two years ago, it has impacted schools in Nairobi, Nakuru, Machakos, Nyeri, Kilifi, Garissa, Baringo, Kisumu, Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu.
School heads who participated in the programme commended the initiative, emphasizing its positive influence on both teachers and students. Jane Biwott, head teacher of Sugoi, noted that having CEMASTEA trainers visit was an invaluable opportunity for her students.
“Our wish is that we get to train teachers who will become trainers in their respective counties so that many schools can benefit and make the programme sustainable.”
Similarly, James Keter from AIC Mois Bridge, David Karanja from Munyaka, and Paul Serem from Racecourse acknowledged the programme as an effective strategy to motivate students toward the STEM pathway.
However, they collectively urged the government to recruit more science teachers to meet the demands of the growing junior school population.
They expressed appreciation for government funding that has enabled schools to acquire lab equipment but emphasized the need for additional support to establish fully functional laboratories.
Student Experiences and Feedback
Students also expressed enthusiasm for the training sessions, as they provided hands-on experience with lab equipment that they had previously only studied in theory.
Shaleen Achieng, a grade nine student and the school president of Sugoi School, recounted how the trainers guided them through practical lessons in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, demonstrating the correct use of laboratory tools. She also noted that they received practical computer studies lessons.
Fancy Limo from Racecourse School shared similar sentiments, remarking that the practical approach taken by CEMASTEA trainers had changed students’ perceptions of science subjects. She highlighted how many female students had previously considered science challenging but had since become more confident.
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She observed that many girls typically viewed science as a male-dominated field, yet the training sessions reinforced the belief that they were equally capable of excelling in STEM disciplines.
With the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) offering three senior school pathways—Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and STEM—the outreach programme plays a crucial role in guiding students toward making informed educational choices.
By promoting hands-on learning and mentorship, CEMASTEA is fostering a generation that is better equipped for STEM-related careers.
CEMASTEA Extends Science Training to Junior Schools
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