Article by: Rahab Chiira and Winfred Magu

Photos by: Winfred Magu

The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) conducted a three-day workshop for INSET Centre Principals, from 12^th -14^th August, 2024, at CEMASTEA. The workshop, theme “Enhancing Management of CEMASTEA Activities at the County Level for Effective Implementation of STEM Education,” brought together principals of INSET centers from across the country to focus on improving the quality and management of INSET centers.

Seated front row Left to Right: Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa- CEO, CEMASTEA, Dr. Pius Mutisya, OGW-Chair Board of Governors CEMASTEA, Mr. Patrick Kogolla, Ag. Director STEM, Training, Professor Ami Ikeda- Hishorima University, INSET Principals and Staff from CEMASTE pose for a group photo during the Opening ceremony held on August 12, 2024 at CEMASTEA

The workshop was officially opened by Dr. Pius Mutisya, OGW-Chair of the CEMASTEA Board of Governors. In his opening address, Dr. Mutisya highlighted the critical role INSET Centre Principals play in the effective implementation of CEMASTEA’s training programmes at the counties. He emphasized the need for effective management of resources at the county level, ensuring that STEM education is accessible and equitable for all learners. Dr. Mutisya also reiterated CEMASTEA’s commitment to supporting capacity development programmes to ensure quality teaching and learning across the country.

CEMASTEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa, HSC also addressed the participants during the opening ceremony. Mrs. Akatsa welcomed the principals and underscored CEMASTEA’s vision of building a creative and innovative STEM society in Africa. She urged participants to take an active role in providing strategic leadership within their respective counties and schools, in ensuring the smooth implementation of cascaded training programmes. She stressed the importance of aligning with CEMASTEA’s mission of continuously developing capacity in STEM education through training, research, and innovation. 

Throughout the workshop, the principals engaged in discussions on the challenges they face in managing INSET centers and explored practical strategies for improving the hosting of teacher training programmes. Among the topics covered were prudent financial management of STEM resources, compliance with procurement laws, and promoting teacher professional development. Participants also shared feedback on CEMASTEA activities and research findings, providing valuable insights into the impact of teacher capacity development programmes.

INSET Principals participating in the various hands-on activities

Left to right: A tour of CEMASTEA facilities, in the mathematics and innovations rooms respectively where they engaged with various teaching and learning resources and a visit to the tree nursery where they were sensitized on the various tree species.

During the closing ceremony, Dr. William K. Sugut, Director of Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education, commended CEMASTEA for its efforts in organising the workshop. He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to supporting CEMASTEA's intervention programmes in STEM education, particularly in enhancing the quality of training provided at the county level. Dr. Sugut called upon the INSET center principals to maintain a high standard in managing the INSET Centres, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized and that training environments are conducive to learning.

Seated front row Left to Right: Mr. Patrick Kogolla, Ag. Director STEM, Training, Dr. William K. Sugut, Director of Secondary Education- Ministry of Education, Professor Ami Ikeda- Hishorima University, INSET Principals and Staff from CEMASTE pose for a group photo during the Opening ceremony held on August 14,2024 at CEMASTEA

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Akatsa expressed her gratitude to the participants and staff for their dedication throughout the workshop. She noted that the objectives of the workshop had been achieved, with participants gaining new insights into managing county-level training programs. Mrs. Akatsa encouraged the principals to implement the workshop’s resolutions and translate them into actionable strategies within their schools to further enhance STEM education.

The three-day workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to improving the management of CEMASTEA activities across the country, ensuring the continued success of STEM education programs.