The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) whose mandate is Teacher Professional Development in Mathematics and Science Education (TPD-MSE) partnered with Education Development Trust to train teachers of upper primary grades on Quality Gender-responsive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education.

The training drew participants from eight counties namely; Mombasa, Isiolo, Nairobi, Tana River, Kwale, Marsabit, Kilifi and Turkana. The training was held in five venues in Kwale, Hola, Lodwar, Nairobi, and Isiolo towns.  

The week-long training aimed at strengthening the capacity of both boys’ and girls’ in Science and Mathematics by equipping teachers with relevant knowledge and skills necessary to enhance the learners’ interest and participation in STEM related subjects. The focus was on minimizing gender disparity in STEM. 

Speaking to the participants who attended the Gender- Responsive STEM Education Training in Mombasa County, Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa- HSC Director,  CEMASTEA urged the participants to find solutions to end some cultural practices that are prohibiting girls from continuing with their education such as early marriages. “We need to empower both boys and girls so that they can contribute to their communities,'' she added. She mentioned that by changing the narrative of discontinuation of girls education would lead to enrolment of equal number of learners in schools and institutions of higher learning. 

Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa, Director, CEMASTEA speaking to the participants during the Gender- Responsive STEM Education Training in Mombasa County

She affirmed that the training would provide them with a chance to have a paradigm shift in teaching and learning that can only be achieved through gender responsiveness, STEM education and adoption of Curriculum Based Competency. 

Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa - HSC Director - CEMASTEA listening to Mr. Thuo Karanja National Trainer and a participant while taking a gallery walk on the activities participants engaged in during the Gender-Responsive STEM Education Training in Mombasa County

The training adopted a theory-to-practice approach to explore relevant issues and employed a mixture of interactive pedagogy to build on participants’ skills. Participants delved into various learning components through learner centred activities. These were achieved by think- pair-share group work, presentations, videos, gallery walks, world café and school field visits. 

Hither to that, Mrs. Lydia Muriithi the Deputy Director CEMASTEA while speaking to participants in Isiolo County echoed the great role teachers play in bettering the learners. She encouraged them to implement the knowledge and skills gained. 

Mrs. Lydia Muriithi the deputy Director, CEMASTEA speaking to the participants during the opening ceremony – Isiolo County 

 The Regional Coordinators, Education Development Trust Mr. Dalana Jarso, Isiolo County (Left) Madam Regina Ndunge Mombasa Region (middle) and Mr. William Njuguna (left) making their remarks during the opening ceremony of the Primary Teacher Training Course on Quality Gender-Responsive STEM, in Isiolo, Mombasa and Nairobi Counties respectively

Mrs. Mary Sichangi, Coordinator Partnership Linkages and International Training, CEMASTEA speaking to the participants during the opening ceremony in Mombasa

Mr. Aten’g Ogwel National Trainer, facilitating a session in Isiolo County 

Mr. Thuo Karanja (Left) and Mr. Simon Mugo (Right) National Trainers, CEMASTEA facilitating sessions in Mombasa County

Madam. Amina Sharbaidi(Left)  Madam Njeri Mburu (Middle, Mr. Martin Mungai (Left) National Trainers, CEMASTEA facilitating sessions in Nairobi County

Mr. Philip Maate, National Trainer, facilitating a session in Turkana County 

 Mr. John Odhiambo, (Left) and Mr. Francis Kamau (Right) National Trainers, facilitating sessions in Tana River County

 Hands on Activities participants engaged in 

About 360 participants were taken through the week-long training