The Girl Guides Association of Kenya has partnered with European Business Institute of Luxembourg (EBU) to train them in Robotics to provide young girls with a strong foundation in innovative technology focusing on robotics in the country.
The Program initiated by EBU called ‘Robotics for rookies ‘will help in fostering interests for the young girls in STEM Pathway in the Competency Based Curriculum in Kenya.
Already 22 young girls from the Kenya Girl guides Association who are the pioneers of the course that is taught online have completed the certificate course and have given stellar reviews. This is the reason there are now over 266 others who have applied for the program.
Speaking during the closing session of the Course of Introduction to Robotics, the President of EBU Dr James Mulli said EBU was committed to advancing innovative cutting edge educational opportunities and especially promoting gender inclusivity in STEM.
“In Collaboration with the Kenya Girl Guides Association EBU has launched the ‘Robotics for Rookies’ Program aimed at empowering girls through hands-on robotics education. The initiative provides young girls with a strong foundation in technology and robotics fostering their interest in STEM Fields,” he said.
“We encourage all applicants to review the EBU Safeguards in place because of their young age – Robotics for Rookies Program Document,” he said
Mulli said he was happy that the Robotics for Rookies Program delivered by the European Business Institute of Luxembourg in partnership with the Kenya Girl Guides Association of Kenya, has successfully completed its first cohort and congratulated all the young girls for completing the course adding that they would get European recognized certificates.
He said the pioneers would be the first beneficiaries of playing with a real live Robo-dog very soon to experience the robotic world.
“We are going to arrange to have a robo-dog here in Kenya , and when the Robo-dog arrives here in Kenya you will be the first to be contacted and then of course we’ll see how it rolls forward to each school,” he said.
Mulli said for those learning Robotics now could find it challenging but fun and that it was going to be part of a very important future.
He urged parents to talk to other parents, teachers and other organisations about the opportunity to learn Robotics with scholarships.
Mulli said the first cohort demonstrated strong academic performance, enthusiasm for learning, and meaningful engagement with robotics and technology.
Betty Oloo the Kenya Girl Guides Association National Executive Officer hailed the students and also the teachers who facilitated and supported the children to make sure they complete their course.
“I am so excited even to hear the feedback and the positive, the learning which will go you know to improving the course for the next cohort .I mean this is the first one and its just so great to se that it has come to full completion,” she said adding “And to me it just goes to show that when we partner with like minded partners for our goal which is to create girls, to prepare girls for the future and especially in STEM we can achieve so much.”
Chloe, a beneficiary from Moi Educational Centre Nairobi said she got interested in Robotics a lot because her instructor taught her so many things including analogue and digital signals and mostly about what robots can do to the environment.
“So, I would say its a good one because for those who like to go to sciences, they can have a little education about what would happen,” she said.
Zawadi, another beneficiary said she learnt a lot during the Robotic course though at the beginning it seemed a bit hard but as they went on it became easier.
“I think my favourite part was learning on how to use Robotic programs, it was very interesting,” she said.
Lorna a beneficiary also from Kenya Girl guides Association too said all lessons helped her learn more about Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and how technology is developing around the world to their current life.
“My favourite part of the lesson was when he (the instructor) introduced us to new topics, especially from analogue and digital computers and also about algorithm, that was really fun,” she said.
Joy, another beneficiary said the Robotic course taught her about the brain of robots, circuits, analogue and digital.
“I am waiting for the next cohort and I’m looking forward to be there,” she said.
Also, present was Nikki Matika from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs that works closely with EBU that offers scholarship to thousands of Kenyans by making education affordable and impactful.
