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Author: Derrick

Author: Derrick

Achievements

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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Marketing

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?

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Creative App

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.

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All School

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.

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Digital Fabrication

Printing The Future: 3D Fun at I.O.Me254

The first few weeks of this year have been focused on 3D printing technology. At I.O.Me254, we’re turning learning into an adventure, one layer at a time. Armed with the Autodesk Fusion 360 software, participants transformed their wild ideas into sleek 3-dimentional parts. The real turning point was having those complex digital designs come together seamlessly after hours of dedication to the craft. An added bonus was that we had the opportunity to learn more about the production of 3D printed prosthetics and life-saving equipment. Our latest week-long workshop was with 3D printing guru Enrico Bassi, who gathered curious creators who were ready to take a crack at the world of digital design and fabrication. This training saw even the experienced graphic designers scratching their heads. These 3D printing workshops weren’t just a “press print and watch” kind of deal. Everyone got their hands busy with learning: how the printer works,which materials make the magic happen, and how to finesse those high-quality prints. Sure, there were a few hiccups—it’s not a workshop without a wonky print or two—but that’s where the real learning (and laughs) kicked in. Beyond the gadgets,these sessions showed how far 3D printing can go, from product design to saving the lives, one layer of filament at a time.

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STEM

Bridging The Digital Divide

Bridging The Digital Divide Technology doesn’t have to be intimidating: at least not when I.O.Me254 is accessible! The entry point to using the lab’s digital fabrication machines is to start with the basics and fundamentals of computer systems. This year, we started things off with a dynamic “Introduction to Computer Literacy” training for new lab members. The session welcomed a group of enthusiastic learners who we’re ready to tackle the digital world head-on.  With hands-on exercises, participants learned about computers and how technology could open new opportunities in their lives. The training focused on building confidence with computers while mastering practical skills in Microsoft Office. Participants explored everything from basic typing techniques to formatting documents like professionals.What initially felt like uncharted territory quickly became familiar ground. As learners gained confidence, there were smiles of accomplishment, moments of discovery, and a collective sense of “I’ve got this!” When the training completed, participants were ready to take on challenges with new found self-assurance. Participants left the training with skills to enhance their academic pursuits, boost their productivity, and engage more in the digital world. Here at I.O.Me 254, we believe that digital literacy is the key to leveling the playing field. By breaking down barriers to technology, we’re helping our communities unlock potential they didn’t even know they had.

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Digital Fabrication

CAD – CAM Software and CNC Workshops

Within the bustling confines of the innovation lab, remarkable transformations have been unfolding. Kenyan youths, driven by a desire to contribute positively to their community, immersed themselves in projects that transcended digital fabrication. They delved into the nuanced art of finishing touches, understanding that true innovation lies in the details. Participants delved into digital product modeling with SolidWorks and VCarve programs. These young minds began to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications. Additionally, students were exposed to another type of digital product modeling software by the name of Aspire, and this was the 15th lot of students being trained through peer-to-peer mentorship. These trainings have been part of a series of initiations into the language of innovation, where ideas take tangible form in the digital sphere. This project became a crucible for skill development, a testament to the power of hands-on learning. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced staff at the lab, the young innovators gained invaluable experience on digital fabrication. They poured their hearts into every step, demonstrating a dedication that spoke volumes about their commitment to building a tech-savvy community. The fruits of their labor stand as a powerful symbol of their hard work and a compelling call to action. It serves as a reminder that investing in youth development, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive, is more than a social imperative; it is a catalyst for community growth.

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Development

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.

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All School

School Outreach program – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

“Upatilize udongo ungali maji” – Mould the clay while is still wet. As the saying goes, with the mission to support the journey towards a cleaner and a greener Lamu county, we need to inspire children to care for the environment. Through the plastic recycling project, our in-school workshop sessions aimed to teach kids aged 8 to 14 on proper plastic waste management practices and advocating with their peers to do the same. The program had engaged 60 students from different schools in Lamu Island, Mokowe and Hindi empowering them on the principles of reducing, reusing, repurposing and recycling to facilitate eco- friendly habits and behaviors. The workshops involved disseminating on plastic waste, storytelling, Power-point presentations and practical ‘Do-it-Yourself’ sessions to give them a hands-on experience on proper ways to upcycling techniques. They were able to make useful things like bird feeders, playing toys and pencil holders.   By showing learners how they can make a difference, we help them become eco- friendly leaders. During the final part of the workshop sessions, each group managed to creatively draw persuasive artistic illustrations with localized messages on plastic waste management. Together, we can change the future and through empowerment, the young can contribute in the journey to create a better environment for Lamu county and beyond. 

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All School

Plastic waste collection and Environmental Cleanup

The menace of plastic pollution poses a significant threat to both environmental sustainability and human health worldwide. Recognizing the urgency in addressing this issue, I.O.Me005 conducted several plastic waste collection campaigns and community cleanups with a hashtag, “Plastic trash is cash”  in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross volunteers, community members, and Flipflopi foundation.   Effective community engagement served as the cornerstone of our plastic waste collection program. To ensure maximum participation and awareness, we had devised an advertising campaign utilizing the megaphones broadcasting the message in the local language about the upcoming collection drives and cleanups and the vital role each individual plays in contributing to a cleaner environment. Through this approach, we sought also to sensitize and mobilize the community members to actively participate in the initiative and be part of the change.  Local residents and community leaders came together to advocate and embraced an opportunity to effect tangible change in their surroundings. Enthusiastically participants sold their collected hard plastics to recyclers reflecting their dedication to the cause. For the two days, we managed to collect over 1.375tonnes of plastic waste in Hindi and Mokowe villages.     Consequently, we continued the campaign and conducted several other approaches by conducting beach, market and town clean ups in the various parts of the Lamu county. We collected over 0.4tonnes along the Wiyoni beach, over 3 tonnes on the several villages of Lamu Island, 2 tonnes in Hindi town, 0.4tonnes in Mokowe village and 0.5 tonnes in Mpeketoni village.    The collection process was not merely about picking up trash; it was about empowering the community to take ownership of their environment. By involving them in every step of the process, from collection to transportation, we instilled a sense of pride and responsibility. Each kilogram of plastic collected symbolized a collective effort towards a sustainable future. Streets that were once marred by litter were gradually transformed into zones of collective effort and environmental consciousness. The sight of community members diligently collecting plastic waste served as a reminder of the transformative power of grassroots initiatives and seeing opportunities out of the menace of plastic pollution. 

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