Theme: “Keeping girls in the picture”
The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) in partnership with UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ministry of Education and the STEM Impact Centre hosted 108 girls during the STEM Girls Boot camp for schools in Kwale County on 14-16th August 2023. The Kwale segment of the training was hosted by Waa Girls High School and happening concurrently with a similar Boot Camp in Kajiado both funded by PRADA through UNESCO.
Coordinated by Education and Natural Sciences Programme, the “Keeping Girls in the Picture” the two STEM Camps were of the ongoing initiatives to promote the uptake of STEM among girls thus addressing their under-representation in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers pathways. During the three-day mentorship camps, the girls were exposed to the 21st century skills and artificial intelligence including coding, 3D printing, Robotics and Mobile Apps Development. The students were also taken through mentorship on the role of Mathematics in making career choices and life skills by various mentors and were challenged to take the lead and change the narrative. Also present were Ministry of Education Officials, teachers from participating schools. Students presented very innovative projects in the areas of 3D printing, Robotics and Mobile Apps.
The three-day camp in Kwale county was officially opened by Dr. James Njogu, HSC, Ag. Secretary General/CEO, KNATCOM who encouraged the girls to break the glass ceiling by overcoming any barriers (both real and imaginary) and pursue career pathways of the future associated with STEM. The Boot Camp in Kajiado was officially opened by Madam Elizabeth Otieno, Deputy Director, Policy, Partnerships and East African Community Affairs.
