Nairobi: Learners from Homa Bay Primary and Junior Secondary School have benefited from a science and mathematics instruction outreach, conducted by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the organization's National Trainer, Richard Jakomanyo, stated that the outreach program was aimed at equipping grade nine learners with practical skills in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics as they prepare for the transition to the senior secondary.
Jakomanyo emphasized the importance of strengthening the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway to equip learners with skills relevant to the job market and to enhance the country's socioeconomic development. He highlighted the need for more resources to be committed to equipping laboratories in junior secondary schools to ensure learners receive adequate exposure to practical skills.
The trainer explained that quality learning resources enhance teaching and learning experiences, making education more effective, engaging, and productive. Practical experiments, simulations, and problem-solving activities were mentioned as methods to encourage learners to be actively involved in the learning process, thus fostering critical thinking and creativity.
Philip Aduda, the school's head teacher, urged the CEMASTEA team to conduct similar outreach programs regularly across more schools to equip learners with practical skills in science and mathematics. He noted that science and technology could open up many career opportunities for learners.
Evans Olunga, a mathematics teacher, identified inadequate resources, especially laboratory equipment, as a major challenge in the rollout of the competency-based curriculum in schools. A grade nine learner, Phoebe Esther, shared that the practical lessons provided by CEMASTEA instructors enabled her to gain a deeper understanding of geometry in mathematics. She expressed confidence that this interaction would improve her grades during assessments as she prepares to join the senior school next year.
Another pupil, Gerald Odhiambo, expressed excitement at observing plant cells using modern microscopes brought in by the CEMASTEA team. He noted that they also benefited from accessing modern physics and chemistry equipment for practical lessons.