#Coding4Life

Digital literacy is one of the core competencies in Competency Based Curriculum. The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) promotes attainment of digital literacy by organising STEM boot camps during school holidays. CEMASTEA will host the two boot camps from 20-24 November and 27^th -1^st December 2023.

The 4^th STEM Boot Camp Cohort One running from November 20-24th, 2023 themed: "Igniting the Future: Inspire, Imagine, and Innovate" has kicked off.

The opening ceremony of Cohort 1 was graced by Chief Executive Officer, CEMASTEA, Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa represented by Deputy Director CEMASTEA Mrs. Lydia Muriithi. In her remarks, the CEO underlined the importance of training young people for the opportunities and challenges of the 21^st Century. She cited that the boot camp would provide participants with the skills they needed for effective collaborative, critical thinking, problem solving, in a rapidly changing world.

In attendance was Hon. Wesley Korir, Advisor to the Director on Africa Initiatives - for CEMC - University of Waterloo in Canada encouraged the participants to uptake STEM subjects seriously to become problem solvers. He emphasised that boot camps of this nature provide a conducive environment to nurture resilience, problem solving and self-efficacy. These are skills that are essential for Africa's development.

Mrs. Lydia Muriithi, Deputy Director, CEMASTEA speaking to the participants during the opening ceremony of the CEMASTEA STEM Boot camp

Hon. Wesley Korir - Advisor to the Director on Africa Initiatives -  for CEMC - University of Waterloo in Canada addressing the participants during the opening ceremony

Participants listening to the opening ceremony

The participants will develop skills in Creative Coding, Robotics 1 & 2, Mobile app Development, Graphic Design/3D, Mathematics and Science Innovations. These experiences will spark an interest for the participants to pursue STEM related careers at the tertiary level, enhance students' creativity & innovation and promote a community of problem solvers and critical thinkers.

The boot camp has attracted participants ranging from Grade 3 to high school learners.

Participants involved in some of the activities in the boot camp

The CEMASTEA STEM boot camp is in collaboration with STEM Impact Centre, UCMAS, I-Start and STEAM Interactive.