CEMASTEA STEM Boot Camp Empowers Students with Practical Tech Skills.
The CEO of the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), Jacinta Akatsa, has stressed the importance of digital skills in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.
During the opening of the 6th CEMASTEA STEM Boot Camp held from December 2 to 6, 2024, at the Karen campus, she emphasized how technology has transformed communication, work, education, and commerce.
Akatsa highlighted that technology is no longer just a tool but the foundation of innovation and advancement.
Akatsa underscored that digital literacy has shifted from being a luxury to an essential competency for future leaders and innovators.
She stated that mastering fields like robotics, creative coding, mobile app development, and 3D/graphic design is vital for the evolving workforce.
She explained that skills such as designing mobile applications or programming robots not only impart technical expertise but also prepare learners for tech-centric careers. These abilities, she added, open doors to numerous opportunities in the expanding digital economy.
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“When you learn to design mobile Apps, programme robots, or apply mathematics and science to solve real-world problems, you’re not just learning technical skills,” Akatsa explained.
The Unique Offerings of the STEM Boot Camp
The CEMASTEA STEM Boot Camp provides a non-residential, hands-on learning experience for students from Grade 4 to Form 4 across Kenya.
Participants engage in advanced technological fields such as robotics (Arduino, IoT, Ev3, Spike), creative coding, and mobile app development.
Akatsa noted that the skills taught, including computational thinking, coding, and inquiry-based learning, enhance both academic success and career readiness.
Akatsa urged learners to transition from merely consuming technology to creating it. She highlighted the camp’s emphasis on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, alongside technical training.
By embracing these skills, she explained, participants can become future tech entrepreneurs and industry leaders who will shape the digital world.
“The skills will enable you to become the next generation of tech-entrepreneurs and game-changers who will shape the future,” she said.
The CEO reassured participants of CEMASTEA’s commitment to offering a supportive environment where experimentation and inquiry thrive without fear of failure.
She also praised the role of educators and mentors in guiding learners, encouraging collaboration, and fostering teamwork.
Practical Applications and Project Development
Learners were tasked with developing STEM projects and proposing innovative solutions to everyday challenges.
These projects will be showcased on the final day of the boot camp, demonstrating the practical applications of their skills.
Akatsa encouraged participants to embrace teamwork, as learning from peers is as critical as instructor-led guidance.
STEM Programme Coordinator Makoba Kizito explained that the boot camp aims to nurture creativity and innovation among young Kenyans.
He noted that in robotics, learners explore programming and engineering principles, creating applications for real-world challenges like sensor-based barriers, automated systems, and biomimicry.
This training, he added, helps learners view themselves as problem-solvers capable of transforming industries through robotics and automation.
Kizito urged county governments to collaborate with CEMASTEA to expand the programme, ensuring more students gain access to these essential skills.
Deputy Coordinator Martin Mungai emphasized the importance of connecting STEM subjects with practical applications.
Through initiatives like #Coding4Life, learners enhance their coding abilities in Python and C++, applying these skills in projects such as mobile app development.
Mungai noted that such experiences inspire creativity and innovation, enabling students to think outside the box.
Testimonials from Participants
Students shared their transformative experiences at the boot camp. Natalia Mugendi from Maryhill Girls High School said that her exposure to mobile app development and coding various applications, including a flashlight app, has deepened her understanding of programming.
She described the programme as enjoyable and highly relevant to real-world needs.
Similarly, Mark Ryan Makori from Kiburi Boys High School expressed gratitude for the programme, highlighting its role in introducing many students to STEM fields.
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He noted that the initiative not only sparks interest but also paves the way for future opportunities in technology-driven careers.
CEMASTEA’s STEM Boot Camp is shaping a generation of tech-savvy innovators ready to tackle future challenges.
By equipping learners with critical digital skills, the programme empowers them to reimagine industries, solve complex problems, and lead in a tech-driven world.
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