- Grade Nine students from Tala SA Comprehensive School have won the Most Innovative Project in Health category at the national level for developing a homemade antacid.
- The students have created the remedy using locally available ingredients, including pawpaw, banana, honey and lemon.
- School leaders and teachers have called for greater government support for STEM resources, noting the recognition has motivated further innovation among learners.
Grade Nine students from Tala SA Comprehensive School in Matungulu Sub-County in Machakos County are celebrating after emerging winners of the Most Innovative Project in Health category at the national level.
The students, Catrinah and her colleague, developed a homemade antacid using locally available materials, including pawpaw, banana, honey and lemon. According to the students, the ingredients are readily accessible within the community and have proven useful in managing acidity-related discomfort.
“I have acidity issues, and this is what I use both at school and at home. My father also uses it. I have become his personal doctor, and it has no side effects whatsoever,” Catrinah said.
The innovation has earned the students national recognition for applying scientific principles to address a common health challenge using resources readily available within their community.
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The school’s Head of Institution, Assumpta Kiswii, called on the government to equip schools with the necessary facilities and resources to nurture innovation and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among learners.
Science teacher Moreen Okillo said the project reflects the potential of young learners to develop practical, community-relevant solutions to everyday challenges. “As long as a community has challenges, there are always solutions,” Okillo said.
The school said the national recognition has motivated both learners and teachers to continue pursuing innovative ideas capable of addressing real-life challenges facing their community.
By Agnes Orang’o
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