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Category: STEM

Category: STEM

FabKids

STEAM Workshop

This workshop ran with the theme: Technology in Climate Action. This was both educational and very exciting. We had a simple introduction to environmental conservation, then jumped into coding.   The kids built a game where your tree only grows if you keep perfectly still. After that we shifted gears into hands-on science, exploring how CO₂ affects temperature rise in the environment. The kids ran a reaction using calcium carbonate and HCl, watching it produce water and carbon dioxide, and learning how those gases play out in the real world. We went on a deep dive into electronic components: LEDs, sensors, and microcontrollers. This showed the kids how each piece plays its part in transforming an input into a meaningful output. We then moved into full hands-on innovation where the kids assembled smart garden prototypes using Arduino boards, breadboards, soil-moisture/water meters, and wiring.

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FabKids

S.T.E.A.M Squad: Create, Build, Explore!

Over 50 bright young minds lit up the I.O.Me001 Social Innovation Hub in Mombasa during an unforgettable STEAM event hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) at I.O.Me001 Social Innovation Hub, Mombasa. The room was crackling with curiosity and creativity as children explored everything from circuit boards to virtual reality, diving headfirst into hands-on activities that challenged their thinking and sparked their imaginations. But this wasn’t just about fun tech experiments — it was about asking big questions, solving real-world problems, and nurturing the innovators of tomorrow. This energy wasn’t just felt in Mombasa. The ripple effects of events like these echo across all I.O.Me254 spaces. As we continue bridging creativity with technology and purpose, it’s clear that when young people are given tools and the space to explore, they don’t just participate – they lead. And that’s exactly the future we’re working to build.

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Development

Innovation Talks – Innovation and Humanitarian Response

During a powerful session hosted at I.O.Me001 Social Innovation Centre in Mombasa, Professor Bailey Briscoe Jones of the University of Texas – Austin shared insights that challenged and inspired. With his background in Humanitarian Product Development as well as his collaboration with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(IFRC), Prof. Jones spoke about what it truly means to innovate for impact. Prof. Jones emphasized that effective solutions in humanitarian contexts must scale down – not up – to meet individual human needs. Big ideas, he reminded us, only matter if they make life better for families and communities on the ground. At the heart of his talk was a strong call for Human-Centered Design (HCD) – a philosophy that puts real people, not just theoretical models, at the center of the creative process. He outlined five key principles for effective humanitarian innovation: Direct engagement with those affected Securing community acceptance Developing quickly Testing and iterating Implementation   For both I.O.Me 001 in Mombasa and I.O.Me 005 in Lamu, this session served as a timely reminder that our work must remain grounded in lived experience if it is to create lasting, meaningful change.

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Development

Innovation Visit – Kakuma Refugee Camp

Earlier this May 2025, I.O.Me254 organized a needs assessment tour joined by students from Kenya and the University of Texas – Austin, on a meaningful 5-day visit to Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei settlement in Turkana County.  Together with humanitarian workers, youth, and local entrepreneurs, they interacted with community members within the camp, listening and learning. From damaged water infrastructure to salty boreholes and rising wastewater, it became clear just how much residents are working with limited resources.  But even in the middle of these challenges, there was a great sense of resilience, determination, creativity and hope. Now, those conversations and insights are helping shape new ideas back at our hubs in Mombasa (I.O.Me001) and Lamu (I.O.Me005) and the University of Texas in Austin.  Teams are exploring simple, community-led solutions for clean water and sanitation, better ways to manage waste, and tech skills programs that include youth and women in displaced settings. Innovation doesn’t have to be big or complicated – it just has to be thoughtful, useful, accessible and built together with the people it’s meant for. 

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Events

IEEE Africa Entrepreneurship Summit 2025

At the recent IEEE Africa Entrepreneurship Summit in Rwanda, ICHA proudly had a seat at the table – represented through the Kenya Red Cross Society by Umi Sora, one of our very own Innovation Champions. Umi Sora shared heartfelt insights under the theme “Purpose Before Profit”, reflecting on how the Innovation Department helped shape what is now the I.O.Me254 Innovation Centres. Her message was clear: Innovation at the grassroots level can spark powerful change. From Mombasa to Lamu, I.O.Me254 continues to build on that foundation – offering programs that equip youth and women with practical, future-ready skills. Through incubations, mentorship, and initiatives like the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute, we’re showing that humanitarian work goes beyond relief. It’s about empowering communities to thrive, using innovation and bold ideas to create a better, more inclusive future. Because in our world, doing business with purpose makes all the difference.

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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

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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Development

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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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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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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