This transformative project seeks to help a rural region in Kenya sustainably digitalise its schools.

This project aims to modernize Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Kenya, particularly in the rural region of Homa Bay with its 150000 inhabitants, by integrating digital and green technologies (photovoltaics) into education. It seeks to address the challenges posed by the digital divide, the need for industry-aligned competences, and energy reliability issues affecting educational institutions.

4 key project partners lead the consortium: The University of Bremen, Warnborough College Ireland, Maristak Durango, and Rongo University. Local Kenyan partners include Kiabuya Mixed Secondary School, Miramba Mixed Secondary School, and St Joseph Olando Mixed Secondary School.

Our associate partners are:  Kenya Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Weihub Victoria Limited, Bremer Umwelt Beratung e.V, Asociacion de Centros de Formacion Proi, Delegation of German Industry and Commerce, Solidaridad, Educacion, Desarrollo; Orore Youths Sports Development Project and Zizi Afrique Foundation.

For a week from 22 – 26 July, delegates from Institut Technik und Bildung (Germany), Warnborough College (Ireland) and Maristak Durango (Spain) went to Homa Bay county and spent time with all the Kenyan partners. The trip kicked off with meetings at Rongo University, where representatives of the local participating schools attended, also. A warm welcome was made by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Samuel Gudu. He was also presented with a token of appreciation by ITB’s Dr Peter Kaune. Updates on the project were presented by each partner.

The Spanish partners presented a Learning and Work Task (LWT) on photovoltaic installation and maintenance, which served as a useful precursor to the actual installation work over the next few days. It was also decided that Vivian Harberts and Dr Julian Ng would lead a series of teacher training workshops at each local school. A press meeting was arranged on 23 July to showcase the work done on the project.

The delegation then made its way to the schools, with the teams splitting up to cover the three schools: Kiabuya, Miramba and St Joseph Olando. The LWT on photovoltaic installation was run at each school for the benefit of the staff and teachers. The teacher training workshops followed suit. 

We can't wait to see what transpires from now on.