Kenya Connect's Space Girls!

Lacking confidence, facing low-expectations by teachers and parents, and being provided with few opportunities, especially in the world of STEM, girls in rural Kenya are being left behind.  Space Girls is a two-year robust, dynamic and fun STEM after-school and school break enrichment program for upper primary girls.   Space girls will empower the girls through instilling confidence and leadership skills, affording access to and teaching technology, creating hands-on activities including NASA space projects, robotics, and coding, providing women mentors in STEM fields, and ultimately preparing them for entrance to secondary school and university.  Shifting decades of traditional expectations for girls needs to come from trusted community-led organizations.  Kenya Connect is well positioned to implement this program while also working with teachers, parents and community leaders to help shift their expectations for the future of girls.  This program can be modified and replicated for rural communities around the world.

Since Kenya enacted free and compulsory public education for primary students in 2003, the enrollment ratio has almost reached parity with 51% boys and 49 % girls.  However despite this gain, girls’ test scores are lower than that of boys (Lucas and Mbiti, 2012a; Republic of Kenya, 2012a). This academic achievement gap is particularly higher in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines (Republic of Kenya, 2012c).  

For rural students in Kenya, the lack of technology and even the most basic classroom resources, leaves them at a severe disadvantage.  This dearth of mathematics and science resources is coupled with rote delivery by teachers, many who find the content challenging.  Girls in rural Kenya are even more disadvantaged due to low expectations by parents and teachers and a lack of confidence by the girls themselves.   Some girls have teachers and parents who guide them to careers in education and public health, but many are expected to get married and manage the homestead. Teachers and our staff report that girls who were eager and engaged in learning in lower primary, often lose their voice in grades 6 and 7.  Bolstering girls through STEM programs will shift this paradigm.

Kenya Connect’s Space Girls is a two-year program that meets weekly for girls in grades 6 and 7 as an after-school and school holiday enrichment program.  Space girls will empower girls through instilling confidence and leadership skills, affording access to and teaching technology, creating hands-on activities including NASA space projects, robotics, and coding, providing women mentors in STEM fields, and ultimately preparing them for entrance to secondary school and university. 

This pilot will be inaugurated at four of our 49 partner primary schools.  Initially the program will work to strengthen the girls’ confidence and leadership through games, learning computer skills and club discussion circles.  As Space Girls progresses, hands-on STEM activities including basic coding with Scratch, computer assisted design, and NASA web-based activities as well as math games, science experiments, and learning about famous women in STEM.  Each Space Girls Club will be assigned two role model mentors. At the end of each term, parents and teachers will be invited for Space Girls presentations highlighting their STEM work.  Since parental and teacher support is critical to girls’ advancement, special workshops will be conducted to help parents and teachers see the pathway forward in STEM for the girls.

The expansive dark-night sky of rural Kenya is bright with stars and planets; however our girls don’t know about the many careers in space.  Kenya Connect’s Space Girls are students living in rural Wamunyu. Over 80% of these girls live in extreme poverty and are without electricity or running water at their homesteads.  Their parents are subsistence farmers, woodcarvers or market sellers.  Although Kenya is becoming the TechHub for east Africa, these girls are being left behind.  These girls want a brighter future; but they have little knowledge of careers or opportunities beyond traditional ones for women.

Our staff is from these communities and understand the lives of the girls.  They know it’s essential for the girls to develop confidence and a belief in themselves before they can move forward.  Meeting as a “girls club” will allow them to find their voice and pursue new modes of learning in a safe space.  The Space Girl Teachers will work closely to monitor the girls’ progress and will garner input from them as the program progresses.  At the same time, our staff will work to develop trust and support from parents and teachers to help them become Space Girl advocates.   

Our program is targeted, creative, and well-designed to strengthen girls' competencies in STEM, especially in technology.  With the theme of space and the underlying goal of preparing girls for secondary school and university, our program will tackle the underlying challenges as well as providing a hands-on dynamic program.  Most of the girls have limited knowledge of STEM careers beyond being an engineer or a math teacher.  Our program will expand the girls horizons while giving them the tools and resources to excel. It will also instill a goal to shoot for the stars with a career in STEM.

Kenya Connect's solution is innovative in an elemental way.  Changing a culture needs to come from within. Our solution to empower girls through a creative, dynamic and well-designed STEM program depends on the deep relationships we have with the community and the understanding of the challenges that rural girls face.  We know the traditional role expectations for girls and how they are perpetuated by parents and teachers, even when they want a better life for their girls.  Our program is designed to provide an enriching STEM two year program for the girls while at the same time shifting the paradigm of expectations by parents and teachers.  Our program will be led by Kenyan women and men who have built a deep trust and understanding with members of the community.  In addition, they will work in conjunction with U.S. Board members, women who are in the STEM field, most notably Rosemary Kioko who grew up in our Kenyan County and is now a NASA aeronautics engineer.  Rosemary has shared that before she came to the US at age 12, she had no idea of STEM fields and thought she couldn't do math because she was a girl.  

We have seen a number of STEM programs begun for girls that come from "the outside" and not connected with the local community.  It's often a "one off" without a sustainable model.  Our goal is to build this program to be bringing on a new "two year" class of Space Girls each year.

We have technology in rural Kenya!  That's a feat in itself.  In 2012 we built a solar powered Learning Resource Center with a 30 computers and reliable internet.  In addition, we have a BRCK Kio Kit, 20 chrome books, and 50 Endless Computers.  Our LRC is the only facility of its kind for over 150km.

Our 61 partner schools consist of a classroom with desks and a chalkboard and tattered text books.  In 2018, the Kenyan Government provided tablets for students in grades 1 and 2; however the teachers were barely given training and the tablets sat in closets until we intervened and provided training to 324 teachers.  Teachers are still hesitant to incorporate technology and ALL schools are without internet.

Students are desperate to use computers, and when they come to our LRC, they quickly learn.  Without built in fears, they learn the basics and graduate to using SCRATCH and CAD.  In partnership with LevelUp Village we've also offered theme based classes like Global Scientist and Global Inventors.  However, these are only 8 week classes.  

It's been clear during the pandemic, that students in rural Kenya are at a severe disadvantage.  Without the internet, they are not able to participate in classes offered by the ministry of education.  They don't have devices or the ability to be part of 21st century learning.  

All research shows that if you educate a girl it lifts the entire community.  We are aiming to do this through Space Girls STEM leadership program.

Decreasing the gender gap in the STEM fields is essential according to leading international experts.  A 2019 report by the Council on Foreign relations stated, "The education gender gap costs the world between $15 trillion and $30 trillion in human capital. U.S. aid programs need to equip girls and women to participate in the modern digital economy."   Further,  40% of workers using computers in Kenya perform tasks that require advanced programming capability. "The demand for critical thinking and STEM skills already outpaces education and training available across the developing world. Globally, low-skill workers will increasingly be expected to use technology to achieve greater productivity, while high-skill workers will use STEM skills to invent new products and services." 

Kenya's economy is growing, especially in the technology industry.  However, girls in rural parts of the country are being left-behind.  It's not enough to just provide computers.  Programs need to be locally-led an driven in order to create buy-in by students, parents and teachers and to ensure sustainability.

Kenya Connect believes that change happens by building trust and connecting with the local community.  As we have rolled out programs and initiatives over the last 15 years, we have done so in consultation with teachers, parents and local leaders based on the needs of the community and in a manner that is culturally relevant and appropriate.  We believe that the program needs to be well-designed, built on best practices, and created in a way that generates trust between the students and leaders.  We also know that in order for a student program to be truly successful, that we MUST involve the parents and teachers.

The Space Girls Program was designed to work with grades 5, 6, 7 girls at a time when they are starting to lose confidence and their "voice."  It's also when teachers are less inclined to call on girls in maths and science.  Our program is designed to build confidence and leadership skills in the girls while introducing interactive STEM activities.  Simultaneously, we will be working with teachers and parents in order them to be champions for their girls.

In the first year, Kenya Connect's Space Girls will serve 80 girls at four of our partner schools.  Each year, we will bring in a new cohort of girls so in five years we will serve 400 girls.  However, if we receive additional funding, we will create additional space clubs at other partner public schools.  Since this program is working with upper primary school girls (grades 5, 6, 7), we are also exploring creating a Secondary School next level STEM club for the first graduates to grow into.

Since Kenya Connect works with 61 partner schools (49 Primary and 12 Secondary) in Wamunyu as well as 8 schools in Kitui, there is room to expand this program to reach even more girls.  We know that building the program slowly will ensure the longer term success of the program. However, our goal is continue to reach more girls, teachers and parents.  In addition, Kenya Connect collaborates with other rural NGOs in Kenya and Uganda and we plan to share this model with them.  Kenya Connect is also in partnership with the School of Education at Southeastern Kenya University (SEKU) and we have shared this model with several of their faculty and they are interested in supporting us.  We believe that this will not only benefit the girls participating in the program, but that it will shift the paradigm of the teaching of girls in rural Kenya.

Initially, we can accommodate the first Space Girls cohort.  However, additional technology, robotics kits and materials, and funding will ensure we can grow it to reach even more students.  Currently Kenya Connect is building the LRC Annex.  The new building will house a "Maker Space" with laptops, robotics kits and other STEM materials.  This means we will be able to accommodate additional groups in the new space.   The biggest challenge for these types of projects is the lack of infrastructure and internet in rural communities.   Schools are beginning to have electricity, however, it is unreliable and not very stable.  In order to expand this project further, it would be essential to have more widespread and affordable internet.

Additional technology:  Kenya Connect continues to seek grant funding for computers, laptops and tablets for our programs.  We welcome the opportunity for funding and tech partners who would be interested in furnishing these items.

Robotics Kits and Materials:  We welcome in-kind materials and seek partnerships that garner useful items for this program.  We have already been in discussion with NASA for materials and personnel support for Space Girls.

Internet:  The lack of internet and the costs associated with installation is a large problem.  Although we have reliable internet at our Learning Resource Center, none of our 61 schools have access and most of our students do not have electricity or internet in their homesteads.  We welcome creative solutions or connections to help provide affordable and reliable internet.

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Our solution team includes 6 full-time staff members, an intern and 4 board members.  In addition, we will be developing the program with colleagues from businesses and universities in Kenya and the U.S.  Sharon Runge, Executive Director, USA and Patrick Munguti, Director of Technology and Education will be leading the program.  Esther Muinde, Samantha Kyalo and Margaret Mutune will be facilitating the program each week.

The Kenya Connect team is uniquely positioned to launch Space Girls! due to our 15 year history working to strengthen education in rural Kenya.  Teachers, parents and local leaders applaud our many initiatives to lift students out of extreme poverty through the power of our enrichment activities.  Our team is committed, passionate, hard-working and nimble in creating and implementing programs.  In addition, all our team members are either from Wamunyu or rural communities and deeply understand the challenges that our students face.  They have either directly felt the lack of support for girls' education or they have seen their sisters or daughters treated differently.  They know our girls are bright and eager, but lack the knowledge of the many possibilities of STEM careers.  

Kenya Connect has also been the leader of training teachers and students on using computers and incorporating STEM into their classrooms.  Our computer lab, arts materials and other supplies will be helpful in the Space Girls Program.  Our staff also have worked with the girls in our literacy programs and menstrual health initiative to know the specific challenges they face and the type of confidence and leadership building that is required.

Kenya Connect currently partners with Level Up Village, a company that provides dynamic STEM classes that connects students in the U.S. with students in developing countries through learning together a creating solutions.  Students in Wamunyu have created a 3D printed solar light using CAD, learned about water and filtration through creating a water filter, and looked at diseases through creating DNA models.  These engaging well-designed classes have sparked students' interest in science and math, helped them strengthen their English skills and connected them with children in the U.S.  Kenya Connect is one of LUVs top partners.

We also partner with Coder DoJo, an after school coding club.  We began working with them in November 2019 and our students loved the program.  However, due to the pandemic, we have had to cease our work until students can gather again.

Kenya Connect is an NGO that provides programs and services to students and teachers at 61 partner public schools in the Mwala sub county of Machakos.  Most of our programs are free and are designed to lift up students out of extreme poverty through the power of enriched education.  Over the last 5 years, students at our partner schools have had among the top testing scores in the county which the Head Teachers attribute to our work.  We raise funds in the U.S. as well as Kenya to support our programming.  In addition, several of our programs have been developed in a self-sustaining way.  Our goal is to increase funding in Kenya and to develop more income-generating programs.

A non-profit, Kenya Connect has multiple revenue streams that supports our work.  

Based on 2019 Income:

Individual Donations: 25%

Event Income: 12%

Corporate Grants: 14%

Foundation Grants: 30%

Religious Foundation Grants: 12%

School Grants/Fundraisers: 7%

In addition, our staff in Wamunyu has worked to make our programs self-sustaining.  For example, we sell personal solar lights to families so students can study at their homesteads at night.  It's a rent-to-own program.  The funds that are paid back are reinvested into the community.  In addition to raising funds in the U.S., we are also working to raise funds in Kenya to support our work.

Over 9,000 girls attend Kenya Connect partner schools.  They are eager and bright as early primary school students, but the spark for learning begins to fade as they move through school.  Boys being called on more, parents expecting girls to maintain traditional gender roles, and lack of awareness of opportunities are holding girls in rural Kenya back.  Many of our girls lack confidence and believe that they have a limited future.  

At the same time, technology opportunities are growing, but students in rural communities do not have the exposure or ability to participate in this tech revolution due to the lack of access to computers, smart phones or other tech devices.  Internet is sketchy and expensive and the digital divide continues to grow.

Kenya Connect's program, Space Girls! is a dynamic community developed and led solution to empower and embolden our girls to reach for the stars through a two year STEM leadership program.  Along with teaching hands-on STEM activities and exposing the students to women in science and mathematics, this program is designed to build the girls confidence and leadership skills.  Based on our history, we know this program will be successful since we deeply understand the challenges facing girls and the Kenyan curriculum and have a dedicated computer lab and reliable internet.

We welcome funding for this project along with professionals, especially women in STEM fields, who would like to mentor our girls and advise our Space Girls team.  Kenya Connect thrives because of our partnerships and we welcome additional support from MIT SOLVE and your partners.  We know that you may have ideas that we have not considered.  Our staff in Wamunyu is delightful to work with and we know that partners from around the world value their dedication, intellectual curiosity, and ability to implement projects.  We are looking for partners who care about girls living in extreme poverty and what to help forge a path towards a brighter future for them.  Partners who can nurture the spark in our girls.

We also know that it is challenging to develop a well-designed monitoring and evaluation model and we welcome help in those areas. 

We are interested in having women professionals in STEM fields join our Space Girls team.  These individuals need to be committed to girls' education, willing to educate themselves on the challenges that girls face in rural Kenya, and be respectful of our Kenyan staff.  Our community is open, welcoming and joyful.  However, many of our girls are worried about "making mistakes" and feel that there is not a clear path for a future in STEM. It is a wonderful opportunity to share your passion in the STEM field and help lift girls living in extreme poverty through the power of STEM education. It also provides individuals the opportunity to learn through our community while making a difference.

When you lift a woman or a girl, the entire community benefits.  Studies have shown that when you educate the girl child it breaks the cycle of poverty and the community is lifted economically as well as having better health outcomes and life expectancy.  Kenya Connect's Space Girls is much more than educating the girl child.  It's a program designed to boost their confidence, provide leadership skills, and open new horizons in the STEM fields.  Most girls (and their parents) have no idea of the many opportunities in maths and science.  Girls are groomed to fetch water, cook, and run a homestead.  Yet, Kenya's economy is growing, especially in the technology fields.   Along with empowering the girls, Space Girls, will provide hands-on activities in the STEM fields, introductions to women in STEM careers, and open new worlds of knowledge and opportunities to them.

At the same time, this program will work with the girls parents and teachers to help shift their expectations. Workshops will be held for teachers to make them aware of bias against girls in math and science while providing strategies to change their teaching.  Parents will learn about jobs in STEM fields and how that translates into possibilities for their daughters.  

Kenya Connect is well positioned to run this program.  A trusted and community-driven NGO, our staff understands the challenges of the girls and have deep relationships with teachers and parents.  They have seen how our programs have improved academic achievement at our 61 partner schools. 

Imagine being a girl in rural Kenya.  There is no electricity, running water or internet at your homestead.  Your parents have big dreams for your brother, but although they support you going to school, the expectation is that you will get married and manage the homestead.  Your teacher usually calls on the boys first during math class even though you know the answers first.  Yet, you know there's something more and you've always been intrigued with how things work, especially when you see planes fly overhead and trucks driving on the road.  Kenya Connect's Space Girls empowers girls with the confidence, knowledge and skills in an intensive two-year program to explore new possibilities in STEM fields and to create a path forward.  Meeting the girls where they are at, providing hands-on activities and access to technology, and introducing them to women in STEM fields are part of the program.  Simultaneously, our Space Girls Team will be meeting and working with Teachers and Parents to shift preconceived notions about girls' abilities in mathematics and science and to educate them on the many opportunities in STEM careers, especially in Kenya.  

As a result of 15 years of enriching education in the community, Kenya Connect is well poised to offer this dynamic program to girls in Wamunyu.  Parents, teachers and village leaders trust our staff and see how our work has improved education and academic achievement.  Kenya Connect's staff, rooted in the community, are especially attuned to the challenges that these girls face.