As the country prepares to fully adopt the Competence Based Education (CBE), stakeholders have been challenged to encourage more learners to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway in Senior school.
The call was made during a one-week STEM outreach and mentorship programme organized by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in Trans Nzoia County.
The STEM outreach programme which targeted five junior schools, saw learners being taken through practical activities where locally available materials were used in learning concepts in Integrated Science, Mathematics and pre-technical studies.
During the outreach, CEMASTEA national trainer Richard Jakomanyo, challenged teachers to involve practical activities in learning of STEM subjects in a bid to make more learners develop interest in pursuing the STEM pathway.
“This STEM outreach program focuses on equipping junior school learners with skills and knowledge on STEM as they prepare to transit to senior school. We are here to challenge all stakeholders to help our learners develop an interest in the STEM pathway,” he rallied.
The five junior schools covered in the five-day outreach exercise were A.I.C Konoin, Sinokon, Waitaluk, Kaplamai and Timaa.
The heads of the mentioned institutions welcomed the initiative terming it as a game changer in the education sector, as it left learners with unforgettable experiences.
African Inland Church (AIC) Konoin Junior school head Francis Toili Wamalwa applauded CEMASTEA saying that it not only equips students with scientific skills but also enhances their creativity in technological advancements and environmental conservation.
He added that the indelible one-on-one experience the learners went through at the hands of the CEMASTEA facilitators was one of a life time.
Toili expressed satisfaction that more learners have been encouraged to navigate the STEM pathway as they prepare to transit to senior school.
However, he urged the government to help schools in setting up modern science laboratories and computer labs which will help equip learners with science and technological skills.
Learners and teachers who participated in the exercise were also not left behind in acknowledging CEMASTEA for the programme.
Beryl Cherono a Grade 9 learner at Sinoko Junior School said the outreach exercise gave her the platform to absorb new ideas in Mathematics and Integrated Science.
Her sentiment was echoed by Linet Nekesa a teacher of integrated science at Konoin Junior School who added that CEMASTEA had given them knowledge required to teach and mentor students on STEM as a career pathway.
Charity Kibet, a teacher of mathematics and integrated science at Sinoko Junior School indicated that CEMASTEA had empowered her to create possible solutions to enhance learning.
By Isaiah Nayika and Daniel Kipchumba
