Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in partnership with Australian Globally Engaged Learners Programme, Department of Education and Training held the annual Kids’ Conference to give students in primary and secondary schools an opportunity to present innovative projects in their field of interest. The projects were presented in solo or small groups of up to five presenters.
The Kids’ Conference (KC) which is a not-for-profit initiative was established to promote student voice and student self-efficacy in learning. It also allows teachers as well as students to have the experience of a formal, but supportive conference in a university environment.
While welcoming the guests during the event on Friday 12, July 2024, the Principal Collage of Engineering Technology (COETEC) Dr. Hiram Ndiritu who represented the Vice Chancellor, said the inaugural Kids’ Conference integrates intercultural global dimensions in research and innovation, and aims at enhancing the quality of education for students and staff.
He added that it also provided primary and secondary students with an opportunity to share their projects with peers,
teachers, and policymakers in a welcoming and friendly environment thus making a meaningful contribution to society.
“By combining research, innovation and interactive sessions from educational specialists to explore ideation, teachers as mentors, collaboration, these workshops support student-led projects and learning within and beyond the classroom,” Dr. Ndiritu said.
He further said, providing students with the opportunity to directly share their learning experiences is crucial in fostering student-led learning, and allows teachers to share best practices through their students’ work in an engaging and positive way.”
While thanking JKUAT for accepting to partner with them, Dr. Stephen Spain, the founder of the Kid’s Conference from Australia, said the conference sought to recognize and celebrate the potential, creativity, and ingenuity of our young ones.
He stated that students are the architects of tomorrow, and was the responsibility of the society to provide them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to build a brighter future.
“The Africa Kid’s Conference is more than just an event. It is a movement towards fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration among the young minds of Africa. Our children will engage in a variety of activities, including workshops, interactive sessions, and competitions, all designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking,” explained Dr. Spain.
On his part, the Country Coordinator of the Kid’s Conference, Mr. George Mwangi who also teaches at Maryhill Girls Secondary School, thanked JKUAT and other stakeholders for their contribution to the successful event noting that the event marked a significant milestone not only for Kenyan students but for the entire continent in celebrating and empowering the future of our children.
“Education is the cornerstone of development and progress. It is through education that we can break the cycle of
poverty, inequality and ignorance,” he stated.
“We are here to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the challenges of tomorrow and to create
a brighter, more prosperous future for all,” he added.
The Kids’ Conference is currently engaging students from across Australia, the Americas, Oxford, UK and Asia.
In 2020, the Programme formally expanded to include the inaugural Kids’ Conference Oxford 2021 in partnership with the Oxford Education Deanery, Department of Education, University of Oxford.
