In the heart of Voi, a group of students from various schools have decided to utilise their holiday to gain more skills in robotics and technology. A cohort of 26 students converge at P.C.E.A. St. Stephen’s Academy to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of robotics.
Among them is Emmanuel Mcharo, a student from Mwatate Junior Academy who is driven by a keen interest in robotics.
His curiosity led him to delve into the complicated world of robotics, where he discovered the endless possibilities of LED lights, buzzers, and programming.
“We’ve learned a lot about robotics and programming. We’ve learned about LED lights, buzzers, and their applications, for instance, in security systems, household appliances and communication devices, among others,” said Mcharo.
Emmanuel Shungula from Citadel Junior Academy in Voi shares his fascination with the diverse types of robots, from battery-powered to electric ones. His insights extend beyond mere fascination as he ponders the broader implications of robotics in governmental surveillance.
Enid Gombe, a visionary student from Sironga Girls High School, dreams of becoming a robotic engineer and opening her own company to manufacture robots.
“My dream is to become a robotic engineer. I want to continue with this in my higher education to gain more skills, which will enable me to open a company to manufacture robots in the future that will help me earn a living,” said Gombe.
Her aspiration reflects the potential of robotics not only as a career path but also as a means of socioeconomic empowerment.
Meanwhile, Lovenia Mwakio from Happy Land Preparatory School in Nairobi finds joy in exploring the creative aspects of robotics, from crafting different sounds with buzzers to understanding their practical applications in daily life.
“From learning to make buzzers sing at different speeds to understanding how robots improve our daily lives, this journey is just the beginning. With each step, we are not just learning; we’re crafting a future where robotics isn’t just a hobby but a livelihood,” noted Mwakio.
Guiding these young minds is Francis Monaja, a software engineer from Meliora Company and Muru Technologies, who is dedicated to nurturing their understanding of robotics.
Through practical learning experiences, Francis aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, enabling students to relate robotics to everyday phenomena like alarms and fridges.
“This programme bridges classroom concepts to home appliances, like fridges and alarms, fostering early interest for future problem-solvers. Empowering today’s youth ensures a tomorrow filled with innovative solutions for our advancing world,” said engineer Monaja.
Supporting Francis is Chengo Erick, an ICT teacher at P.C.E.A. St. Stephen’s Academy in Voi, who emphasises the importance of introducing such programming at an early stage.
By equipping students with practical skills, Chengo believes they can emerge as problem solvers and innovators capable of addressing societal challenges.
Chris Muru, CEO of Muru Technologies, underscores the transformative potential of robotics in shaping the future of technology.
Through robotics training, they not only keep students engaged but also instill in them the importance of leveraging technology to enhance human productivity and address pressing issues in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.
“Apart from keeping them busy, we are triggering their interest in the future of technology. Now, many things are being automated. There is artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things. So because of that, we decided these kids needed to be triggered,” he said.
As these students immerse themselves in the world of robotics, they not only gain technical skills but also develop a mindset geared towards innovation and problem-solving.
Their journey exemplifies the power of education to empower the next generation of leaders and pioneers in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Muru added that “the robots that the students are using are what will actually give them mileage in their STEM competition back in school. Also, it is the knowledge that will actually help them solve community challenges.”
According to Muru, when people hear about robotics and artificial intelligence, they think that it’s coming to replace humans because it’s doing what human beings can do. Actually, robotics complements humans by thinking faster than humans could because it’s fetching information from different sources and it must be noted that artificial intelligence and robotics are here to improve the productivity of humans.
“We use technology to simplify things, solve challenges, and actually make things work faster. It even gives companies and organisations working on technological advancements a chance to innovate and actually handle multiple products and projects at the same time,” he added.
Despite the challenges they face in disseminating information to vulnerable communities, the commitment of educators like Francis, Chengo, and Chris remains unwavering. Together, they strive to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to the transformative power of robotics education, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
By Arnold Linga Masila
