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Author: Derrick

Author: Derrick

All School

World IP Day 2024

Innovators and entrepreneurs met at the IOME001 Social Innovation Centre to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day on the 26th of April, with an enlightening workshop focused on intellectual property matters.  The attendees were introduced to various types of intellectual property, including copyrights, trademarks, and technovation, and explored the processes and prerequisites for acquiring these protections. The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of intellectual property, highlighting its importance in protecting creative and innovative works. Participants learned about the different types of intellectual property and their specific applications, such as how copyrights safeguard original works of authorship, trademarks protect brand identity, and technovation encourages technological advancements. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the workshop included practical sessions where participants could engage in discussions and case studies, helping them understand the real-world implications of intellectual property rights. The concept of open source hardware and software solutions was also discussed. This year’s theme was “Building a Common Future with Innovation and Creativity”  

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All School

Digital Microscopy Workshop

Facilitated by researchers from TU Delft, the IOME001 Lab hosted a workshop on digital microscopy. The event attracted 13 participants who delved into the fascinating world of optics and microscopy. Throughout the workshop, attendees explored various types of lenses, gaining insight into their specific functions and effects on microscopic imaging. The hands-on assembly of digital optics rigs provided a practical understanding of the science of light and its critical role in microscopy. The interactive nature of the workshop fostered a deeper understanding for the principles of light manipulation and image formation. In addition to technical training, the workshop emphasized the importance of product design in the development of digital microscopy tools. Participants engaged in discussions on how innovative design can improve functionality and usability during their project development.

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All School

Innovation Bootcamp in Garissa County

In partnership with Yong Muslim Association, A STEM Workshop was held in Garissa, an initiative dedicated to empowering students across various educational levels, encompassing Young Muslim Girls High School, junior secondary, Young Muslims Academy(YMA) and Young Muslim Children’s home(YMCH). The two day workshop that took place on the 7th and 8th of February 2024 aimed to provide engaging and educational sessions that would ignite a passion for STEM among participating learners. The workshop activities included: Hands-on Electronic DIY projects Exploration of Scratch Coding and Robotics 3D modeling and printing Gamification techniques through Airbus Foundation. A community visit was also planned to deepen the team’s understanding of the communities where the students come from. This visit involved interacting with locals to identify their needs and gaps for potential future engagement.

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Development

Plastic Waste Recycling Project in Lamu

Climate and environmental crisis are a priority in the strategy 2030 of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. It incorporates climate risk management – including adaptation and mitigation, operations, and advocacy instruments, and applying better environmental management approaches to addressing harmful and vulnerable conditions.   It is estimated that 92% of plastic waste is mismanaged in Kenya. This is mainly because there are no collection services in rural areas (Paruta et al. 2020). This leads to leakage into terrestrial and marine ecosystems (Paruta et al. 2020). An estimated 37,000 tons of plastic leak into the ocean every year and 67% of that leakage comes from urban centers (Paruta et al. 2020).  Most plastic waste ends up in rivers, oceans, beaches, and farmlands, impacting the marine life, tourism, fishery, and agriculture that contributes more than 70% of the economy of a coastal town like Lamu and its surroundings.   I.O.Me005 in partnership with the IFRC, is implementing a project that focuses on raising awareness and building capacity to more of the youth in Lamu, enabling them to identify opportunities within the plastic waste management value chain to improve efforts towards waste management within the county. The CBF project aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability in plastic collection and recycling initiatives, contributing to a greener economy. This initiative recognizes the crucial role of environmental activists, plastic recyclers and the general public in fostering positive change.  Through the IOMe005 innovation lab in Lamu, KRCS will conduct this pilot project designed to promote conversations on plastic waste management through capacity building of the youths and volunteers in Lamu, working with them to recycle and identify value addition opportunities for plastic waste management. A series of events and activities were designed to engage key stakeholders, gather insights, share knowledge, and collaboratively develop strategies for the project’s successful implementation. Community cleanups will be done to promote community responsibility and behavioral change enlightening the community with relevant information about plastic waste pollution. This will also include online social media sensitization campaigns as well as door-to-door awareness sessions on proper disposal techniques and the harmful negative effects plastic pollution has on the natural ecosystem.

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Empowering WOmen Digital StoryTelling IOMe
Development

Empowering Women Through Digital Literacy Programs

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, acknowledges the critical role of digital literacy in advancing economic growth and development while championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education for women and girls.   In line with this theme, the Kenya Red Cross Innovation Unit has implemented a series of programs to promote technical, professional, and digital literacy training that specifically impacts women. These programs aim to empower women with the digital skills necessary to take advantage of digital opportunities and, in turn, grow their businesses and impact their communities positively.     One of the programs involved training over 50 women in digital marketing, website development, and Google business account management, facilitated by Ajira Digital trainers from Mombasa, Tana River, and Nairobi Counties. The focus of the program was to equip the women with digital skills that would help them increase their online presence, attract more customers, and ultimately grow their businesses.   The second program involved training 15 women on hardware repair and maintenance, facilitated by N-tech Solutions from Mombasa. This program aimed to provide women with the skills necessary to repair and maintain computers, which is crucial in running businesses in the digital age.   The third program facilitated by Tech-Kidz Africa involved training 11 women in coding skills applicable to the humanitarian sector. The program aimed to equip the women with coding skills that would enhance their employability and enable them to contribute to the humanitarian sector.   Lastly, the Kenya Red Cross Innovation Unit partnered with the UCRBP program in Mombasa and Nairobi Counties to train 20 women in mapping and how to access a geographical location in the event of a disaster assessment, utilizing an open-source app. The program aimed to enhance the women’s knowledge and skills in responding to emergencies, thereby increasing their preparedness and effectiveness in crises.   All these programs were designed to be practical and hands-on, with a focus on equipping women with the necessary skills to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. By empowering women with digital skills, the Innovation Unit is not only improving their lives but also those of their families and communities. The acquired digital skills will enable these women to leverage opportunities presented by the digital age, leading to economic growth and development in their respective communities.   Digital literacy is an essential aspect of economic growth and development, and it is crucial to equip women and girls with the necessary skills to take advantage of digital opportunities.    

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Digital Storytelling and reflective practice IOMe
Training

Digital Storytelling and Reflective Practice

In today’s fast-paced world, an online presence is essential for success in creative business. This is especially true for those who want to reach new clients and audiences through the internet.   IOMe005 recently conducted a seven-week program that trained participants to create their personal documentation websites. The program formed four teams that were assigned to design, document, and create learning kits for children with different challenges, including physical disabilities, hyposensitivity, cerebral palsy, and autism. The 41 participants worked on their websites while learning valuable lessons about team dynamics and how to overcome challenges while working in teams.  Through the training program, learners take photos and record videos of the process while working on projects. After working on certain tasks, learners are encouraged to reflect and write down their experiences. This type of documentation is critical in identifying learning gaps for individual participants and planning to address those gaps. Skills such as design, digital fabrication, photography, drawing and painting, and sculpture can all be documented using this approach.  In conclusion, the digital storytelling and reflective practice training program provides participants with valuable skills that can help them succeed in the creative business world. The program enables learners to document their experiences and showcase their skills to potential employers and customers, while also identifying areas where they can improve. Overall, this program is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to enhance their digital skills and showcase their creativity. 

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Ajira Training IOMe
Training

Ajira Digital Training, Data Entry & Data management Module

The Ajira Digital Training Program recently conducted a Data Entry and Data Management Module training session on the 16th and 17th of March 2023 at the IOMe005 Innovation Lab. The training was conducted by eMobilis and aimed to equip 43 young people from Hindi with the skills and knowledge required to excel in online work.   The program began by introducing participants to the benefits of online work, tips for success, job categories available, payment methods, and how to create winning proposals. Participants were also taught the importance of data management in today’s world and gained a comprehensive understanding of key terms such as annotations and cleaning processes. These skills are essential for working in job roles such as data processors or analysts, making the training relevant and valuable for the participants’ future careers.   Furthermore, the program introduced various platforms that facilitate streamlined practices when dealing with clients, which will help the participants to work more efficiently and effectively.   In addition to developing core competencies, the training also covered cross-cutting topics such as soft skills and image editing skills.   In conclusion, the Ajira Digital Training Program’s Data Entry and Data Management Module training session was a valuable opportunity for young people from Hindi to gain the skills and knowledge required to succeed in online work. The program’s comprehensive approach, covering core competencies, cross-cutting topics, and practical applications, ensured that participants left the training better equipped for the challenges and opportunities of online work.       Data Entry & Data Management Physical Mentorship  Following a two-day introduction to the Ajira training module at IOMe005 Innovation Lab on the 16th and 17th, participants were enrolled in a long-term mentorship program. This program paired mentees with mentors to provide more in-depth training on the module’s content.  The physical mentorship program took place on the 29th and 30th of March 2023 at the Lab. During the program, participants were introduced to the roles of mentors and mentees, best practices for mentorship sessions, netiquette skills, and platforms for submitting mentorship assignments.   It is important to note that all participants will be required to complete the mentorship program virtually. This approach ensures that participants continue to benefit from the program’s content, despite being unable to meet in person. The virtual aspect of the program also provides an opportunity for participants to develop skills in remote collaboration and communication, which are valuable skills in today’s digital age.   Overall, the mentorship program is an excellent opportunity for participants to build on the knowledge and skills gained during the initial training. The program’s emphasis on best practices, netiquette skills, and virtual collaboration will equip participants with valuable skills for their future careers in online work.             

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ThinkBricks IOMe
Creative App

Think-Bricks STEM Kids Event

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering) education is a crucial part of modern education, focusing on providing children with practical knowledge and problem-solving skills. To support this initiative, I.O.Me005 organized a ThinkBricks STEM Kids Event in Lamu on March 4th, 2023. Twenty children between the ages of 8 and 12 were given hands-on guidance on how to use Think Bricks to build adaptable housing structures that can change based on contextual and environmental dynamics.  Think Bricks are similar to Lego bricks and were designed by Dorrit, a master’s student from Delft University of Technology, during her one-and-a-half-month attachment at the lab. These bricks are made from wood fabricated by a CNC machine and are easy to snap together with pencils to create a variety of structures.  During the workshop, the children used the Think Bricks to build mobile houses, with cardboard being used for the walls and roofs, and pencils used as skeletons and chassis for the automobile. Each group presented their movable house to the rest of the participants at the end of the event, with the houses being judged based on creativity, functionality, and overall design.  The children were proud of their creations and were able to work together in small groups, learn effective communication, and come up with unique designs for their movable houses. The event helped promote creativity and encouraged imagination in the children, leaving them with valuable experiences and skills for the future. 

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Digitalization IOMe
Training

ESO Digitalization Training

The Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) is actively promoting networking among its members to become the driving force for entrepreneurial economic breakthroughs in Kenya. As a member of ASSEK, I.O.Me254 participated in a digitalization training ON aimed at capacity-building entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) to enhance their service delivery through digitization of their systems and processes.  The training covered various thematic areas, including Digital Business Model and Strategy, Digital Finance Management and Strategy, Digital Marketing Leadership and Strategy, Digitization of M&E, and Digital Fundraising. The ESO leaders were encouraged to develop a working business model canvas through a deeper understanding of their target customer segment using a human-centred design approach.  Digitalization of ESO processes was highly encouraged, and this included financial management. ESO leaders were urged to invest in financial management tools and not just accounting tools. Various common financial tools were discussed, ranging from Microsoft Excel to more comprehensive tools such as Xero and SAP B1.  Digital marketing was also covered in detail, and the main objectives of investing in digital marketing for ESOs were highlighted.   In conclusion, the digital transformation of ESOs is no longer an option but a necessary step to be taken. The initial investment can be relatively high but when done appropriately, return on investment is guaranteed. Strategic partnerships can be a cost-effective approach to steadily build towards digital transformation and growth of these organizations. ASSEK’s digitalization training provides a comprehensive guide for ESOs to enhance their service delivery through the digitization of their systems and processes. 

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Development

Lamu County Government Showcases Swahili Culture with CNC-Milled Mashrabia Wall Partitions

The Lamu County Government has recently introduced CNC-milled Mashrabia wall partitions in their offices to promote the local culture and traditional designs of Swahili artefacts. These lattice-work patterns have been an integral part of Swahili culture for centuries and are known for their geometric shapes and repetitive patterns, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.   The CNC milling technology provided by I.O.Me 005 Innovation Lab has revolutionized the way these patterns are produced, making it possible to create even more intricate designs at a faster rate. By incorporating traditional symbols and motifs into the Mashrabia designs, I.O.Me 005 has been able to create customizable wall partitions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also represent the local culture, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of the Swahili people.  CNC milling technology can achieve a high level of precision, resulting in a flawless finished product. This is particularly important in the case of Mashrabia patterns, which often feature complex interlocking shapes and motifs. The Lamu County Government’s use of CNC-milled Mashrabia patterns in their offices is a significant step towards promoting local culture and Swahili artefacts. This initiative is a way of preserving the heritage of the Swahili people and showcasing it to the world. The introduction of CNC milling technology not only improves the commercial supply of these artefacts but also provides employment opportunities for those interested in art through the final polishing and marketing of the products. 

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