Two hundred twenty learners with hearing and speech impairments at Ngala School for the Deaf in Nakuru can now undertake science practical lessons more effectively following the donation of a modern mobile laboratory by Echo Network Africa Foundation.
The state-of-the-art facility, described as one of its kind, is expected to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning among learners with disabilities who have largely depended on theoretical lessons due to a lack of practical equipment.
The donation was led by ENAF President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Jennifer Riria, who said the initiative seeks to bridge gaps in inclusive science education.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Nakuru, Dr Riria noted that, unlike conventional laboratories, the mobile unit can easily be moved from one classroom to another or used outdoors during experiments.
“Mobile laboratories are flexible, less expensive than permanent laboratories and bring scientific tools closer to learners,” she said.
She emphasised that children with disabilities deserve equal access to quality science education just like other learners.
“No learner should be excluded from science education because of disability. We are taking the lead in encouraging communities to support inclusive education and assist less fortunate learners,” Dr. Riria added.
The ENAF CEO revealed that the organisation has also introduced science clubs at the institution to strengthen practical learning and nurture scientific curiosity among learners.
According to Dr. Riria, the initiative forms part of ENAF’s broader mission that has seen the organisation work in Kenya for more than 40 years, reaching over three million women through empowerment programmes.
“We are now looking at expanding our work across East Africa with a focus on women’s leadership, financial inclusion and peace initiatives,” she said.
She described financial inclusion as a critical pillar in addressing challenges facing vulnerable communities.
The donation was made under the Girls Excel Initiative, a programme that has so far reached 17 schools across 14 counties in a bid to promote inclusive STEM education.
Ngala School for the Deaf is the first institution in Nakuru County to receive the mobile laboratory and is expected to serve as a benchmarking centre for other special needs schools.
Education stakeholders welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with the government’s agenda of promoting inclusive education and equitable access to quality learning resources.
School officials expressed optimism that the facility would motivate learners to pursue careers in the science and technology fields.
“This laboratory will help our learners understand scientific concepts through practical demonstrations in subjects such as biology, chemistry and physics,” one school official said.
Stakeholders further noted that the partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between education institutions and private sector organisations in improving learning outcomes for learners with disabilities.
The mobile laboratory is expected to enhance learner engagement, improve performance in STEM subjects and support implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by offering real-life experimentation opportunities within the school environment.
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ENAF said it plans to scale similar interventions to other special needs schools across Kenya and eventually the wider East African region as part of efforts to ensure learners with disabilities fully participate in science, technology and innovation education.
By Kimutai Langat
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