Empowering Future Innovators through the Angaza Project
As E-Safiri Charging Limited, we are proud to be part of the Angaza project, a collaborative initiative alongside Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), InnovateUK, and De Courcy Alexander Limited (DCA). This collaboration reflects the dedication to promoting STEM education to advance sustainable development in rural Kenya.
The journey began when a 15-year-old student in Edinburgh initiated a wind turbine project that inspired teams of engineers from Glasgow Caledonian University to refine it over the years. The turbine has been upgraded with solar panels to generate more electricity for lighting and USB outlets.
As part of the Angaza Project's commitment to fostering educational advancement, our STEM engagements have been strategically designed to provide targeted education for students across various educational institutions in Kenya. Our programs have specifically impacted Maseno University, Kotetni Primary School, Nyamasaria Secondary School, Huma Secondary School, and Orinde Primary School. Through active engagement with students across all educational levels, from primary to higher education, our goal is to spark a passion for STEM subjects and provide them with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
It is essential to provide STEM education to children and youths, particularly girls, for several significant reasons. First of all, in today's world, innovation and technological growth are largely dependent on STEM courses. Early cultivation of interest in these subjects encourages children to develop into innovators and problem solvers.
Moreover, by actively encouraging girls to pursue STEM subjects, we strive for gender equality and inclusivity in the field, allowing the underutilized potential and fostering a more equitable society. Ultimately, by investing in STEM education for children and youth, we not only nurture individual talents but also lay the foundation for sustainable development in the long run.
Having students do hands-on activities like building simple electric circuits makes the abstract concept of electric mobility more concrete and meaningful. Involving children in rural or peri-urban Kenyan schools in STEM subjects helps them and their communities feel more engaged, in control, and empowered. By understanding the environmental and financial advantages of using electricity for transportation, they become vocal supporters of change, starting conversations in their homes and beyond.
The Angaza Africa initiative is proof of the transformational capacity for collaboration and innovative thinking in solving problems related to energy availability. For communities living in isolated parts of Kenya, Angaza Africa has become a ray of hope due to its emphasis on affordable cost and reliability. Through strategic collaborations between Maseno University, InnovateUK, and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), the initiative has opened the door to educational empowerment.
One significant accomplishment of the Angaza Africa project is the installation of the flat-pack wind turbine, a ground-breaking technology meant to increase access to sustainable energy in remote areas. Through collaborating with Maseno University, the project has not only given students practical instruction on assembling and operating the device but has also promoted an innovative culture. Through these initiatives, Angaza Africa has enhanced access to energy and sparked opportunities for education and economic growth that have the power to change lives.
In conclusion, our involvement with the Angaza project, in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), InnovateUK, and De Courcy Alexander Limited (DCA), underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting STEM education for sustainable development in rural Kenya. This collaborative endeavor has been driven by a vision to empower communities and cultivate a culture of innovation from the grassroots level.
The success of the Angaza Africa initiative serves as a beacon of hope for communities living in remote areas, offering affordable and reliable energy solutions that have the power to transform lives. Angaza Africa initiative serves as a shining example of the important role that cooperation and innovative thinking can play in taking on challenging global problems and fostering change locally. Together, we can continue to make strides towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
References
- Angaza Africa - Harnessing solar and wind power to provide sustainable energy access in rural Kenya. ResearchOnline. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/projects/angaza-africa-harnessing-solar-and-wind-power-to-provide-sustaina
- Reinking, A., & Martin, B. (2018). The gender gap in STEM fields: Theories, movements, and ideas to engage girls in STEM.