waza april2013

Waza ExperienceWaza ExperiencePreparing the next generation of

thoughtful techies in Kenya

The NeedLack of emphasis on creative thinking and problem solving in the traditional Kenyan education system;

Inspired by the success of the LIWA Trust Student Innovation Expo; Junior Achievement Kenya;

Start early - target primary-level students

Aims:Inspire Kenyan children to:

be more creative;

think critically;

improve their communication skills.

Creativity

Problem-Solving/Critical Thinking

Communication

Why ?• Leveraging on the community and the

expressed desire to engage outside of Bishop Magua

• Developing the next generation:• Thoughtful techies who can design

better products for users• Researchers who can think of the big

picture• All-around better engaged citizen!

The Waza Curriculum

Designed to take advantage of children’s natural curiosity

Emphasis on local Kenyan innovations using easily-available resources

Borrows heavily from Design Thinking principles

The Waza Curriculum

Empathy/Discovery

Interpretation/Problem Identification

Ideation/Experimentation

Prototyping/Inventing

Testing/Collecting Feedback

Waza “Train the Trainers”Curriculum

2 Day Mandatory Training (April 27, May 4; 10 am – Noon)

Trainers will be immersed in:Design Thinking

Creativity

Communication

Informal; made to think & facilitate

Pilot School: Amani Primary

Started volunteering at Amani Primary School in March 2011 as a way to engage with community around art;

The school administrators are fully supportive of new curriculum under Waza.

Have completed “baseline” inquiry and first class of empathy.

Aim to have 2-month pilot before re-assessing the curriculum and continuing.

Future VisionOpen Source curriculum (specific to Kenya) for use by any organization;

Adoption and adaption of the curriculum in different schools around the country by local community members and educational institutions;

Annual Invention Convention event for students to showcase their inventions;

Active alumni network of Waza Experience graduates.

How Can You Join?

On-going volunteering with the Amani Primary School pilot program

On-going development of Waza Curriculum/Advisory

Who is a Waza Corpie?Committed/Reliable (able to volunteer for at least 2 consecutive Saturdays every other month over a 6-month period)

Curious (interested in learning with the kids as peers and not in simply dictating to them)

Open (flexible and willing to do what needs to be done; easy-going)

Interest in: Education; Innovation; Design Thinking; Kenya’s Future!

Who is a Waza Advisor?

Knowledgable (extensive experience with the Kenyan education system)

Passionate (cares about improving Kenyan future generations)

Consistent (will respond to inquiries in a timely manner)

Connected (can link Waza to relevant possible partners and other advisors)

Who is a Waza All-Star Member?

Ultra Committed (willing to dedicate at least 5-15 hours a week)

Driven (passionate about Kenyan youth and developing their skills)

Knowledgeable (design thinking; creativity; innovation; education)

Thank you!

For more information, check out:

www.wazaexperience.org

ahsc25[at]gmail[dot]com

Mandatory Trainings:

Saturday, April 27th 10 am – Noon

Saturday, May 4th 10 am – Noon