Dear Friends,
From 22-25 July, we were pleased to participate in the mEducation Alliance STEMtastic Adventures! Africa 2025 Symposium with the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD). The four-day event at the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) campus in Karen, Nairobi brought together policymakers, education practitioners, researchers, and innovators from Africa and beyond.
The symposium created space to share promising practices, explore evidence-based STEM instruction, and catalyze new relationships.
With more than 600 attendees from over 30 nations, the symposium focused on four objectives: exploring innovative STEM education in both formal and informal settings; strengthening regional and global collaboration to tackle STEM challenges; promoting equity by advancing inclusivity and accessibility in STEM; and highlighting the role of STEM in fostering sustainable development.
We were excited to share our perspective in these areas with participants. Our inclusive robotics program is the initiative of longtime eKitabu software engineer Kevin Irungu. Kevin is developing it in a new company he founded, ChipuRobo. At the symposium, Kevin and colleagues shared how Kenyan students are tackling integrated STEM learning—connecting AI, 3D printing, and coding—in hands-on, project-based teamwork.
Our Rwandan colleague Nadia Nibagwire presented the current progress of our multi-year research across Rwanda, Kenya, and Malawi with GPE-KIX into the impact and scaling of sign language-rich learning through the use of inclusive tech. The research has flowered in wondrous ways; for example, we’re harnessing AI to scale sign language learning assessment in a new tool we’re building from scratch; and we’re exploring new modes of disseminating evidence that build community and sustainability.
Perspectives from the event:
“When learners are exposed to relatable models, they see STEM as a route to pursue endless opportunities. Africa cannot afford to leave anyone behind.”—Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos
“Learners have to learn sign language first before learning how to read and write, making it a double task. Upcoming innovations should find solutions to address this.”—Joan Mwachi, Consultant, EdTech East Africa
“How can technology work for the marginalized?”—Dr. John Kimotho, Consultant, AUDA-NEPAD
“At ChipuRobo, we believe robotics and AI shouldn’t be a privilege — they should be accessible to every young person. The STEMtastic Symposium was a powerful reminder that inclusive innovation is not only possible, but essential for Africa’s future.”—Kevin Irungu, CEO, Chipurobo.
Warmest regards,
Will