By BMacharia and DOrero

CEMASTEA has hosted students to participate in cutting-edge learning activities in STEM-related areas. However, the centre can only reach a restricted group of learners. Due to this limitation, the STEM outreach program was launched to enhance the number of schools and learners reached. The programme entails personnel from the centre visiting schools in the Counties and demonstrating innovations in teaching and learning STEM. The Special Programs and Student Learning Committee's STEM outreach and mentorship program has now been incorporated into the Center's core programs. 

The outreach programmes are intended to promote a positive attitude towards STEM subjects, bring out the joy and fun of learning, and inspire learners to excel and pursue careers related to Science and mathematics. In each school visited, CEMASTEA showcased activities in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, ICT, Robotics, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Climate change. The hands-on activities students engage in aim to provoke learners' critical thinking, creativity, innovativeness and problem-solving skills. Most of the concepts demonstrated utilise locally available materials that teachers can easily improvise. During the visits, teachers participate in the discussions and take time further to explain science and mathematics concepts to their learners. 

The centre has successfully organised visits to several secondary and primary schools across some Counties. In Nakuru County: schools visited were Keriko, Njoro Day, Larmudiac and Mau Narok Secondary Schools; Katoloni, Katelembu, Katheka Kai and Machakos Township Secondary Schools in Machakos County; Ken Obura, St. John's Christostom, Bishop Abiero Shauri Moyo and Lions Day Secondary Schools in Kisumu County. The schools visited in Kakamega County were Kilimo Girls', St. Francis Xavier Shipalo, St. Patrick's Ikonyero, Emetetei and Our Lady of Assumption Shitoli Secondary Schools.

The programme is popular with school leaders, teachers and learners alike. Speaking during the outreach at Bishop Abiero Shauri Moyo Secondary School, Kisumu Central Sub-County Director of Education Mr Charles Ang'iela noted that the outreach programme would reignite interest in Science and mathematics with skills and practical knowledge to boost their performance in STEM subjects. Teachers in the visited schools hailed the programme as an interactive and fun learning approach that captivates learners' interest in STEM subjects.