Schools Encouraged to Adopt STEM Education

Schools Encouraged to Adopt STEM Education

Junior Secondary Schools nationwide have been encouraged to focus on practical and expert learning to establish a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

As part of a key initiative designed to spark interest in STEM, a hundred seventh-grade students and teachers from Pharo School participated in an Hour of Code event, collaborating with coding professionals to introduce students to potential STEM career paths.

Dr. Edward Rukwaro, the school’s Director, stated that the coding program has fostered an environment where numerous students can cultivate their interest and receive guidance to pursue STEM careers.

He mentioned that plans are being developed to involve parents in supporting students on this journey.

“We have a strong belief in STEM due to its ability to unlock Africa’s potential and provide opportunities for growth. While we also consider other educational aspects, we focus on STEM because of its significant impact on our lives,” Dr. Rukwaro explained.

He emphasized that STEM provides students with a solid foundation, regardless of the specific path they choose as they progress to senior school, university, and their future careers.

“We have successfully piqued their interest, and they have shown remarkable creativity and innovation in the tasks we’ve assigned. I am confident that from this Hour of Code, we will see students who will pursue information technology,” Rukwaro added.

He argued that coding fosters essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are valuable for students in any career.

A group of students participated in the coding training at Pharo School.

Last year, President William Ruto announced that the Ministry of Education would train 42,000 teachers in a bold initiative to implement coding lessons nationwide.

This initiative aims to integrate the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)-approved coding syllabus, equipping a new generation of students with vital skills for success in the digital economy.

With the global demand for skilled coders increasing, these coding skills are intended to position Kenya as a leader in digital education, creating a talent pipeline for the international tech market.

The coding training leverages existing expertise in computer science education and aligns with the government’s vision for a knowledge-based economy.

Education experts assert that introducing coding at a young age is intended to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, preparing students for a wide range of jobs beyond the technology sector.

Coding, or programming, involves creating instructions for computers to execute.