By Thuo Karanja, Patrick Wanjohi and Winfred Magu

CEMASTEA is a renowned institution dedicated to enhancing the quality of mathematics and science education by providing training, resources, and support to learners, STEM teachers and educators. The overarching focus is improving teaching and teaching methodologies and promoting STEM education. On 27^th October 2023, the Centre was honoured to host a delegation of students from Kenyatta University Female Students in Science and Technology Club (KUFESST). The club is composed of girls taking STEM-related courses at Kenyatta University. The team of 27 girls visited the Centre to explore collaborative opportunities and exchange knowledge between the university and CEMASTEA in STEM education, outreach and research.

The visit commenced with a presentation by CEMASTEA, providing an overview of their programs, achievements, and on going activities. To better understand CEMASTEA's programs, best practices and initiatives in STEM education, the students were taken through a hands-on tour of CEMASTEA facilities. They visited the STEM labs, maker spaces and innovation room, where they interacted with teaching and laboratory scientists, performed mathematics and science activities and got a feel of what goes on at CEMASTEA, particularly the learner-centred programmes aimed at making STEM learning engaging and fun. 

There was a session on reflection and networking that allowed the delegation to connect with CEMASTEA staff, fostering relationships for future collaboration. At this point, the CEMASTEA’s CEO, Mrs Jacinta Akatsa, a STEMIST in her own right, being a long-serving biology teacher and published author, gave the ladies an inspiring talk on STEM. She recalled her journey as a student, the gender obstacles she faced, and what good teaching in science and mathematics did to orient her future to what she is today. The delegation tour was organised and coordinated by KUFESST president and vice, Faith Wairimu and Joyce Ochieng, respectively KUFESST President Ms  Wairimugave a powerful expose of what the club does, their outreach programmes and their aspirations. She also pointed out possible areas of mutual interest for joint projects and initiatives in which the two institutions could collaborate. 

KUFESST delegates from Kenyatta University touring CEMASTEA facilities and listening to remarks by the CEO Madam Jacinta Akatsa.

At the end of the visit, when they visited the Centre's tree nursery, the girls had a short tour and talked about education for sustainable development. Mr Patrick Wanjohi and his team delivered the talk on the effects of climate change and good tree-growing practices. Each girl was given a tree as a sign of climate action and a commitment to protect the world from adverse climate change. 

In their feedback on the visit's conclusion, the girls cited it as informative and productive, providing valuable insights into innovative mathematics and science education approaches. They looked forward to furthering our collaboration and contributing to advancing STEM education. There was a need to explore further areas for collaborative research in STEM and motivational outreach tours to students in secondary schools.