UNESCO is equipping Kenyan teachers with advanced digital skills to transform science education and inspire the next generation of innovators across Africa. In Nairobi, ten educators participated in hands-on training at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), learning to design and print 3D models, program robots, and integrate coding and artificial intelligence into their lessons. This initiative forms part of UNESCO’s broader strategy to strengthen STEM education and digital infrastructure in line with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), making abstract scientific concepts tangible and engaging for students.
The training, jointly organized by UNESCO, BOE Technology Group, the China Association for Science and Technology, Kenya’s Ministry of Education, and the Teachers Service Commission, provided teachers with rare, practical experience using interactive displays, 3D printers, and robotic kits. Participants completed exercises such as the 3D-printed Bridge Challenge and robot programming tasks, which demonstrated how scientific concepts can come to life through inquiry-based learning. Teachers reported that the sessions not only built technical skills but also fostered confidence to inspire curiosity and critical thinking among their students, bridging the gap between imagination and application.
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain, including limited resources and the early stage of STEM integration in many schools. Only one of the five schools represented currently runs an active science club, highlighting the need for sustained support. Recognizing this, UNESCO and its partners plan to expand the pilot into a broader capacity-building program, promoting the creation of new science clubs and integrating digital tools into classrooms. By equipping teachers with practical STEM and digital skills, the initiative aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the National ICT Policy (2019), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, preparing students for future careers in science and technology and ensuring Kenya nurtures a digitally literate, innovative, and problem-solving generation.