CUBE Mobile Labs

The primary issue the mobile lab project addresses is the limited access to practical STEAM education in underserved communities, compounded by the lack of resources to tackle climate change. In most regions in The Gambia, inadequate infrastructure leaves students without hands-on STEAM experiences, hindering their ability to understand complex concepts and engage with STEAM fields. This educational deficit perpetuates disinterest in STEAM subjects and hampers communities' resilience to climate impacts. Through fully equipped mobile labs designed to reach students/schools in low income/remote communities, the project aims to bridge this gap, providing hands-on STEAM education and empowering youth to develop innovative solutions for climate resilience and sustainable development

Many African schools still lack  access to practical education. According to the Global Partnership, 90% of schools on the continent lack well-equipped scientific laboratories, limiting hands-on learning experiences that are critical for mastering these fields. This gap is a serious barrier to Africa's drive for sustained socioeconomic growth, as defined by the Global Partnership, highlighting the vital need for more scientists and engineers in the area. The gap between the theory taught in schools and real-world application adds to the issue. Students frequently struggle to close the gap between what they learn on the board and what they see in their immediate world. Without actual experiences that support theories, science fields become intimidating and boring, resulting in general disinterest among students. As a result, scientific studies continue to be neglected, with only 12% of students pursuing them on average. The lack of well-equipped laboratories limits students' abilities to engage in hands-on experimentation and learning, which are necessary for developing a deeper knowledge of the fundamentals of science. Laboratories are important places for students to apply theory to real-world situations, developing critical thinking, creativity, and invention. Also, laboratory experiences create a feeling of interest and passion for  studies, inspiring students to seek careers in STEM subjects. 

By embracing circular economy principles, CUBE's mission is to close the gap between theory and practice by providing hands-on learning experiences in science and technology, empowering students to design sustainable solutions and innovations for a more circular future. 

Our solution is called the "Mobile Cube," and it's essentially a fully equipped, portable laboratory housed within a customizable, transportable structure. Imagine a large trailer that unfolds into a spacious lab environment. This Mobile Cube serves as a hub for hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and awareness-raising activities focused on STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and climate change.

The Mobile Cube is designed to be towed, making it easy to transport from one location to another, especially to schools or communities lacking access to traditional lab facilities. It's equipped with everything needed for practical learning, including scientific equipment, tools for experimentation, and resources for teaching STEAM subjects. 

What sets it apart is its eco-friendly design, it is powered by solar panels and features a water filtration system, the Cube operates sustainably, even in areas with limited infrastructure. Inside, the layout is optimized for space and functionality, with features like sliding cupboards, multifunctional spaces, and modular furniture.

Students and educators can engage in a range of activities within the Mobile Cube, from conducting science experiments and  creating innovative technological solutions to learning about climate change adaptation and circular economy principles. It's a dynamic space for fostering curiosity, innovation, and collaboration among young learners, ultimately aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and climate change leaders across Africa.

For a visual demonstration, CUBE Lab Prototype

Our solution, the Mobile Cube, is primarily designed to serve secondary school students and educators in underserved communities across Africa, starting with The Gambia. These communities face significant challenges in accessing quality STEAM education and resources due to a lack of infrastructure, limited funding, and geographical isolation. 

The target population includes:

1. Secondary School Students: Many students in rural areas lack access to well-equipped laboratories and hands-on learning experiences, which are crucial for understanding complex scientific concepts and developing practical skills. As a result, they often struggle to engage with STEM subjects and may feel discouraged from pursuing careers in these fields. The Mobile Cube aims to provide these students with an immersive learning environment where they can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a hands-on and interactive way. By bringing the lab directly to their schools, we aim to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire a passion for learning among students who may not have had access to such opportunities before.

2. Educators: Teachers in underserved schools often lack the resources and training needed to effectively teach STEAM subjects. The Mobile Cube not only provides them with access to state-of-the-art equipment and materials but also offers training and support to enhance their teaching practices. By working closely with local educators, we aim to empower them to deliver engaging and impactful lessons that ignite their students' interest in STEAM fields. Additionally, the Cube serves as a platform for collaboration and professional development, enabling educators to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from each other.

3. Communities: Beyond the classroom, the Mobile Cube has the potential to benefit entire communities by raising awareness about climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering entrepreneurship. By equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges and develop innovative solutions, we aim to empower them to become agents of positive change in their communities. Additionally, by leveraging renewable energy sources and eco-friendly technologies, the Cube demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and serves as a model for sustainable development.

Our team at CUBE is uniquely positioned to design and deliver the Mobile Cube solution to underserved communities in Africa, particularly in The Gambia. While our professional backgrounds and experiences are diverse, what truly sets us apart is our deep connection to and understanding of the communities we aim to serve.

Several members of our team have lived and worked in rural and underserved areas, including The Gambia. We have firsthand experience of the challenges faced by these communities, from inadequate educational resources to the impacts of climate change. This proximity allows us to empathize with the needs and aspirations of the people we seek to support and ensures that our solutions are contextually relevant and responsive to their realities.

Our team is intentionally diverse and inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve. We include individuals from different cultural backgrounds, including local Gambians, as well as experts in various fields such as education, engineering, and environmental science. This diversity enables us to bring together a range of perspectives, skills, and insights to inform our solution design and implementation.

From the outset, our approach has been grounded in community engagement and participation. We have actively sought input from local stakeholders, including educators, students, parents, and community leaders, to co-design the Mobile Cube solution. Through focus group discussions, surveys, and consultations, we have listened to the needs, ideas, and priorities of the communities and incorporated their feedback into our planning process.

We recognize that no single organization can address the complex challenges of STEAM education and climate change alone. That's why we have forged partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders to leverage their expertise, resources, and networks. These partnerships ensure that our solution is integrated into existing initiatives, sustainable, and scalable, maximizing its impact and reach.

We also understand that context matters and that solutions must be adaptable to local contexts and evolving needs. Throughout the design and implementation process, we remain agile and responsive, continuously seeking feedback, iterating on our approach, and adapting to changing circumstances. This ensures that our solution remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

We have designed and constructed the first prototype of the Mobile Cube according to our specifications. This prototype serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating the feasibility and functionality of our solution. We have ensured that the Cube meets essential requirements, such as size, portability, and sustainability, while also incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine its design. The prototype is yet to be tested due to the fact that we are still raising funds to furnish and transport the lab. In the mean time, what we have done is conduct pop up labs in partnership with local schools and communities. These events served as pilot tests for our Mobile Cube concept, allowing us to showcase the potential of hands-on STEAM education and climate change awareness in underserved areas. Through our pop-up labs, we have directly served about 300 secondary school students, educators, and community members in the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region of The Gambia.

Our choice to apply to Solve is driven by our aim to make learning more effective and accessible to students worldwide we believe in the power of collaboration and collective action to address challenges that affect us collectively. 

While we have  developed a prototype of the Mobile Cube, there are still technical challenges to overcome, particularly in optimizing the design for scalability, durability, and sustainability. Solve's expertise in innovation and technology can provide us with guidance, and resources to refine our solution and address technical barriers more effectively. Solve's network of experts and mentors can also offer technical assistance and mentorship to help us navigate complex technical challenges and ensure the success of our implementation efforts.

One of the primary challenges we face is securing the necessary funding to complete the furnishing of the prototype and the construction of additional Mobile Cubes and cover the costs associated with transporting the labs to schools in rural areas. Solve's network of partners and supporters can help us access the financial resources needed to expand our reach and serve more beneficiaries.

Solve's platform can help us raise visibility for our solution and attract strategic partnerships that will enable us to reach new markets and expand our impact. By showcasing our project to Solve's global network, we can generate interest among potential partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries, ultimately driving greater adoption of our Mobile Cube solution.

Our solution, the Mobile Cube, revolutionizes STEAM education and climate change resilience by offering a portable, sustainable, and comprehensive learning platform. Unlike traditional fixed laboratories, the Mobile Cube brings hands-on learning directly to underserved communities, bridging the gap in accessibility. Its eco-friendly design, powered by solar panels and featuring a water filtration system, not only demonstrates sustainability but also inspires communities to adopt greener practices.

What makes the Mobile Cube truly innovative is its holistic approach. Beyond providing laboratory resources, it offers training on climate change, circular economy principles, and entrepreneurship. By integrating these elements, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to address real-world challenges and drive positive change.

 our solution is built on community engagement and co-creation. We involve local stakeholders in every step, ensuring the Mobile Cube meets the specific needs of each community. This participatory approach fosters ownership and empowerment among beneficiaries.

With scalability and replicability in mind, we aim to expand the Mobile Cube's reach across Africa and beyond. Its modular design and local manufacturing capabilities make scaling up achievable. By inspiring others in the education and climate change space, our solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts and transform the market landscape.

1. Activities:
   

• Bringing Mobile Cubes to schools in rural areas.

• Providing hands-on STEAM education, climate change training, and entrepreneurship workshops.

• Collaborating with local educators and stakeholders for co-creation and sustainability.

Immediate Outputs:

• Increased access to practical STEAM education resources.

• Enhanced knowledge and skills in STEAM subjects, climate change, and entrepreneurship.

• Strengthened partnerships and community engagement.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

• Empowered Students: By engaging in hands-on learning experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of STEAM concepts and gain confidence in their abilities. They are inspired to pursue further education and careers in STEAM fields, contributing to a more skilled workforce and socioeconomic development.

• Climate Change Advocacy: Equipped with knowledge about climate change and sustainable practices, students become advocates for environmental stewardship in their communities. They lead initiatives to address local environmental challenges, promote renewable energy, and implement circular economy principles, leading to greater resilience to climate change.

• Entrepreneurial Innovation: Through entrepreneurship training, students learn how to identify problems in their communities and develop innovative solutions. They launch their own businesses focused on climate-friendly technologies and services, creating employment opportunities and driving economic growth.

• Community Transformation: The collective efforts of empowered students, supported by engaged educators and stakeholders, lead to broader positive impacts in their communities. These include improved access to education, enhanced environmental sustainability, and increased resilience to climate change, ultimately contributing to overall community well-being and prosperity.

POP UP LAB REPORT -  https://drive.google.com/file/...

Our impact goals for the Mobile Cube solution are centered around empowering students, fostering climate change advocacy, promoting entrepreneurial innovation, and catalyzing community transformation. Below are some of our impact goals and how we are measuring progress towards them:

1.   Empowered Students  :

   - Impact Goal: To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue further education and careers in STEAM fields.

   - Measurement:

     - Increase in the number of students expressing interest in STEAM subjects and pursuing further education or careers in STEAM fields.

     - Improvement in students' performance in STEAM-related subjects, as reflected in academic assessments and examinations.

     - Qualitative feedback from students on their learning experiences and aspirations.

2.   Climate Change Advocacy  :

   - Impact Goal: To inspire students to become advocates for environmental stewardship and resilience to climate change in their communities.

   - Measurement:

     - Implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation projects initiated by students, such as community clean-up drives, tree planting campaigns, or renewable energy initiatives.

     - Increase in awareness and understanding of climate change among students, as evidenced by pre- and post-workshop surveys or quizzes.

     - Engagement of students in advocacy activities, such as organizing awareness campaigns or participating in local climate action initiatives.

3.   Entrepreneurial Innovation  :

   - Impact Goal: To foster entrepreneurial skills and innovation among students, leading to the development of climate-friendly businesses and solutions.

   - Measurement:

     - Number of students participating in entrepreneurship workshops and developing business plans or prototypes for climate-friendly ventures.

     - Launch and sustainability of student-led businesses focused on climate change mitigation, circular economy principles, or sustainable technologies.

     - Economic impact of student-led businesses, including job creation, revenue generation, and contribution to local economies.

4.   Community Transformation  :

   - Impact Goal: To catalyze broader positive impacts in communities, including improved access to education, enhanced environmental sustainability, and increased resilience to climate change.

   - Measurement:

     - Adoption of sustainable practices and technologies in schools and communities, such as renewable energy installations, waste management systems, or water conservation initiatives.

     - Strengthening of community partnerships and networks, as evidenced by increased collaboration among schools, local organizations, and government agencies.

     - Improvement in community well-being indicators, such as access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

The main technology used by the mobile labs is IOT 

Computing devices: We use computers and tablets in our mobile labs to help people learn and access information. These devices are the main tools for accessing digital content, running educational software, and engaging in interactive learning activities. We make sure to have a mix of devices to accommodate different age groups, subjects, and learning styles, so everyone can learn in a way that works best for them. This way, we can provide a flexible and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all learners.

Internet connectivity: We make sure our mobile labs have a reliable internet connection so we can access online resources, talk to others, and use educational websites. We use different ways to connect to the internet, like cell phone networks, and portable Wi-Fi, so we can stay connected no matter where we are.

Scientific experiments and tools: Our mobile labs have scientific equipment like microscopes and sensors that let students do hands-on experiments and collect data. This helps them learn about STEM in a fun and interactive way. By combining physical and digital tools, our mobile labs give students a complete learning experience that connects what they learn in books to real-life skills.

Collaborative tools and communication platforms:. We use tools like video calls, online chat rooms, and social media to connect students with each other and with experts, so they can work together, ask questions, and learn from each other.

6 full time and 4 volunteers 

2 years 

For now we are all women from different countries and backgrounds.

We actively seek out and welcome individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued at every level of our organization.

In our recruitment and hiring practices, we prioritize inclusivity by sourcing candidates from diverse networks and using language that promotes equal opportunity. We employ blind recruitment techniques to mitigate unconscious bias and ensure fairness in our selection process.

Our key customers and beneficiaries include:

1. Schools and Educational Institutions: We provide the Mobile Cube as a product available for sale or lease to schools, offering them a portable and customizable solution for enhancing their STEAM education programs. Schools benefit from access to hands-on STEAM resources, climate change training, and entrepreneurship workshops, enabling them to enrich their curriculum and engage students in meaningful learning experiences.

2. Students and Youth: Students are the primary beneficiaries of our solution, as they gain access to practical STEAM education and develop critical skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, as well as entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. By participating in workshops and activities conducted inside the Mobile Cube, students are empowered to explore their interests, pursue further education and careers in STEAM fields, and become advocates for climate action in their communities.

3. NGOs and Government Agencies: NGOs and government agencies can partner with us to deploy the Mobile Cube in underserved communities as part of their education and climate change initiatives. By collaborating with us, these organizations can leverage our expertise and resources to extend their reach, deliver impactful programs, and achieve their development goals.

4. Corporate Sponsors and Philanthropic Organizations: Corporate sponsors and philanthropic organizations have the opportunity to support our mission through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or sponsorship of specific programs and initiatives conducted within the Mobile Cube. By partnering with us, these entities can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, education equity, and environmental sustainability.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability involves a combination of revenue streams to cover our operational expenses and support the growth and expansion of our Mobile Cube solution.

In the initial stages, we will pursue grant funding from international development agencies, foundations, and impact investors to support the development, pilot testing, and scale-up of the Mobile Cube solution

We will seek partnerships with corporate sponsors, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies that share our mission and values. These partners may provide financial support, in-kind donations, or sponsorship for specific programs conducted in the Lab

We will provide consulting services to schools, NGOs, and government agencies seeking to replicate our Mobile Cube model or integrate similar approaches into their educational programs. This will include design and construction support, curriculum development, teacher training, and monitoring and evaluation services for a fee.

We will offer workshops, training sessions, and educational programs conducted inside the Mobile Cube, charging fees to schools and organizations for access to these hands-on STEAM education, climate change training, and entrepreneurship workshops.

We plan to generate revenue by selling or leasing the Mobile Cube platform to schools, educational institutions, NGOs, and government agencies. This will provide an upfront source of income and ongoing revenue through lease agreements or maintenance contracts.