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Year: 2025

Digital Literacy Graduation – Cohort 16

We’re thrilled to celebrate the graduation of the newest Digital Literacy students from the I.O.Me005 Lab. The Digital Skills Training equips students with essential skills in digital knowledge, public speaking, pitching, digital fabrication, and more.   The aim of such trainings is to capacity-build community members, so as to allow them to reach further and higher with their careers.   At a basic level of formal development, the Digital Skills Training gives attendees the opportunity to think about how they can level up from their current position; how they can tap into greater audiences and markets.  

Global Social Entrepreneurship Summit (G.S.E.M)

Early in July we hosted the Global Social Entrepreneurship Summit at I.O.Me001 Social Innovation Center inMombasa. The main focus of this event was entrepreneurship, and this saw delegates coming in from all over the world! The Social Entrepreneurship Meet-ups that happened previously were held in Paris and Vienna, and as a result we were extremely honoured to have hosted it in Kenya and s pecifically by I.O.Me254.   We held break-out sessions and discussions, before delegates were sub-divided into teams for site-visits to the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute (W.S.E.I) Cohort 2 entrepreneurs. Lastly, we ended the event by having a celebratory dinner in honour of I.O.Me254’s 5-year milestone.  

Community Field Visit: I.O.Me005 x KRCS Lamu Branch – HCD Workshop

The Innovation Unit under the International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) supported by I.O.Me005 conducted a field immersion and interview session with diverse community members in Lamu, as part of an ongoing Human-Centered Design (HCD) workshop. The aim was to listen directly to the voices that matter most and gain firsthand insights into their lived experiences and pressing challenges.   Through in-depth interviews, immersive field observations, and open dialogue, the team gathered valuable insights to inform the Nature-Based-Solutions (NBS) project. These findings will help shape innovative and sustainable interventions, tailored to the unique needs of the Lamu community. This HCD workshop plays a pivotal role in supporting the NBS project by identifying local challenges and working collaboratively with community members and stakeholders to co-create impactful solutions. At the hear of our approach is a simple but powerful principle: engage, listen, and learn. Together we’re co-creating lasting change.  

Collaborations at County 042: Visit to Kisumu Region

A team from the International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) paid a visit to the Kenya Red Cross Society – Kisumu Regional Office, as well as to FabLab Winam. Heads up, you may. find one of our I.O.Me254 labs in Kisumu City in the near future!   The team was able to meet with the brilliant minds behind FabLab Winam, where they discussed how to increase the reach and impact of the work that we all do towards the society. Our team went on a deep-dive into Zipline’s drone ops, blood logistics, as well as tech challenges, where they had a live-action drone show that left mouths agape.

Human-Centered Design Training

The I.O.Me005 lab hosted a group of Nature-Based-Solution project stakeholders for a training on Human-Centered Design (HCD). Human-Centered Design, or HCD in short, is a field that focuses on the end-user’s perspective of the problem you are attempting to solve by creating a product.     The class dove deeply into HCD tools, mastering storytelling & journey-mapping, comprehending on empathy with the community on the nature-based challenges. This workshop’s aim was to identify the current challenges related to Nature-Based Solutions, and to facilitate the collaborative development of innovative and sustainable solutions.     The valuable insights and solutions that emerged from that workshop played a crucial role in shaping the project’s strategic direction as well as in determining its potential for future expansion.        

Plastics and Face-Masks into Products

Who knew a plastic shredder and a plastic injection molding machine could turn into the ultimate sustainability sidekicks? Recently, makers jumped into action, learning how these magic contraptions transform discarded plastic into reusable materials. They got hands-on, learned the ropes, and, of course, nailed the safety rules like professionals. To add some warm spices into the mix, on Valentines Day we had our youth members creating personalized upcycled gifts out of Manila paper, cardboard boxes and plastic bottles. This exercise was more than a rapid making of presents; it was about demonstrating that true love lies in the thought and effort put into a gift. We got kids into the mix, from Hindi Drama Club, to make sturdy boards out of expired face-masks from the Coronavirus pandemic era. In demonstrating that creativity isn’t confined to the stage but rather it can be a powerful tool for real-world change, they transformed what was a symbol of the past pandemic into a beacon of sustainable innovation. The youth reminded each other that the most meaningful expressions of affection are often born from the heart, fueled by a spark of creativity and a willingness to see potential in the readily available materials around us.

Do It Yourself (DIY) and Upcycling

Who would’ve thought old tyres could become the talk of the town? At the Innovation Lab, students kicked off the year by rolling up their sleeves—and some discarded tyres – to create unique, functional coffee tables. This wasn’t your average DIY project: it was a crash course in creativity and sustainability. Armed with tools, paint, and a whole lot of imagination, they turned “junk” into stylish, conversation-worthy pieces that give a whole new meaning to upcycling. By the end, these young innovators left with more than the skill to create coffee tables – they walked away with a sense of purpose. They learned that making an impact doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive: sometimes, all it takes is a little elbow grease and a fresh perspective. The project looked beyond furniture, aiming to reshape mindsets. Students discovered the art of seeing potential where others see waste. Upcycling became more than a concept; it became a hands-on way to build skills, practice sustainability, and flex their creative muscles. At the Innovation Lab, the students are proving that sustainability is a lesson and a lifestyle. With every brushstroke, they were reminded that small, intentional actions—like repurposing a tyre – can make a big difference for the planet.

Photography – There is More to A Snap

Photography is about capturing moments, telling stories, and making memories stick. It’s about capturing that feeling, that moment,that motion that would be lost if not caught and savored. In our recent session, we got down to the basics,but with a twist. First, we took a close look at the camera—understanding all the important parts including the lens and the camera body. It’s like getting to know the ins and outs of your new favorite gadget before you start using it. Plus, we made sure everyone felt like a pro by learning how to handle the equipment like it was an extension of themselves. No awkward fumbles here!Let’s face it: every photo is a little piece of art (or at least, it’s trying to be). Whether it’s a portrait that speaks volumes, a landscape that takes your breath away, or a snapshot of life’s little candid moments, each shot has a tale to tell. We also dabbled in the magic of perspective— how shifting your angle or focus can turn a “meh” shot into something you’ll want to frame. Suddenly,everything around you looks like it’s straight out of a photo-shoot, and it’s all about how you see it.The big takeaway? Photography is all about seeing the world with fresh eyes. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment; sometimes, all it takes is a little creative twist to turn the ordinary into extraordinary. We encouraged everyone to experiment—whether it was with their angle, their focus, or looking for the beauty in the overlooked moments. Once you start seeing through the lens, you’ll never look at the world the same way again. Who knew everyday scenes could become such masterpieces?

Basic Electronics and Arduino

Basic Electronics and Arduino We recently hosted an intro session on basic electronics and Arduino equipment, where learners were abuzz with programming and circuit design. Forget just reading about it—this was all about getting in there and bringing those ideas to life, with a side of fun and creativity. Instead of only talking theory, the group got to work with real tools like Arduino boards, breadboards, and all sorts of components. They learned how to build circuits, code micro-controllers, and make cool gadgets blink, buzz, and light up. As the workshop progressed, they shifted gears to tackle circuit design software, exploring tools like KiCAD, Altium, and Eagle. Watching their faces electrified – pun intended – when they navigated binary computation was definitely the highlight—and yes, there were plenty of “oops” moments, but that’s all part of the fun and learning process! We’re all about mixing hands-on learning with a little bit of excitement. This workshop was about sparking that “I can do this!” feeling. And who knows? Maybe one of these students will be the one to create the next big thing, all starting with a simple blinking LED.

I.O.Me 254 Fab Women

I.O.Me 254 Fab Women We have initiated a dynamic program to address the education-industry relationship, through its Fab Women program.The event was celebrated on February 11th 2025, coinciding with the International Day for Women and Girls in Science-to entail a day of inspiration and exploration for university students in STEAM fields. Participants encountered inspiring I.O.Me254 experiences via interactive sessions and hands-on experiences, allowing them to explore contemporary projects, opportunities, and available resources within the innovation ecosystem. It also shone light on the importance of STEAM education and emphasized I.O.Me254’s commitment to nurturing creativity, diversity, and technology. By including these talented young women in the program,the initiative aims to take its place in empowering the next generation of scientists and leaders in technology, which is widely seen as a necessary feature to ensure that they will have every possible tool and support on which to build their success. I.O.Me254, which has initiated a dynamic program to address the education-industry relationship, through its Fab Women program. The event was celebrated on February 11th, coinciding with the International Day for Women and Girls in Science – to entail a day of inspiration and exploration for university students in STEAM fields. Participants encountered inspiring I.O.Me254 experiences via interactive sessions and hands-on experiences, allowing them to explore contemporary projects, opportunities, and available resources within the innovation ecosystem. Here’s to building bridges and breaking barriers in a trailblazing innovation landscape!

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