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IOMe News

IOMe News

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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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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MArket Assessment Women and Youth IOMe
Marketing

Bridging the Gap: A Market Assessment of Economic Opportunities for Youth and Women in Mombasa

An ICHA team drawn from Policy & Advocacy, Climate, Data and CVA units conducted a thorough market assessment activity supported by the FSPI (French Solidarity Fund Project Initiative project) in Mombasa to identify employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people and women in the industrial, informal, and formal sectors. This assessment was necessary due to the limited access to capital and education often faced by these groups, which hinders their economic growth and development.   The team focused on evaluating existing industries and identifying opportunities for new industries, assessing micro-enterprises and small businesses, and identifying job opportunities in established industries. The team identified a range of opportunities in all three sectors that could be tapped to promote economic growth and development in the region.     They also identified several challenges that must be addressed. These include limited access to finance and markets, inadequate knowledge, and a lack of business and professional skills among young people and women. To address these challenges, the Kenya Red Cross Society’s Innovation Unit plans to continue and upscale training and support programs that will help young people and women develop the necessary skills to succeed in business.   The training programs will focus on financial management, marketing, and business planning, which will be designed to enable participants to access capital and markets. Additionally, the Society plans to work with local partners to establish business incubation centres, providing mentorship and coaching to young people and women entrepreneurs.   The market assessment report will guide the steps needed to create economic opportunities for young people and women in the region. With the support of local partners and the community, the Kenya Red Cross Society aims to create a sustainable environment for economic growth and development. This effort is expected to improve the lives of young people and women in the area, promoting financial independence and gender equality.   In conclusion, the market assessment report generated from this activity provides insights into the economic opportunities available to young people and women in Mombasa. The report also highlights the challenges that must be addressed to enable them to take advantage of these opportunities.      

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KRCS and Airbus Foundation IOMe
Development

KRCS and Airbus Foundation Projects Transforming Communities in Nairobi and Mombasa Counties

ICHA’s Innovation team had the pleasure of hosting the Airbus Foundation Response Coordinator, Ms. Sophie, in Nairobi and Mombasa Counties, where they took her to visit different project implementation sites. This visit aimed to showcase the progress and impact of various projects and to strategize on the partnership engagement.  In Nairobi, the team visited three schools that had the Plasma water units installed; St. Catherine Primary, Nairobi South Primary, and Gatoto Primary. During the visit, the headteachers of the schools gave their timely feedback on their experiences using the water purification systems and gave some recommendations on how the project could be sustainable moving forward. The WASH department and Plasma Waters technician were also present during the visit, providing technical support and addressing any issues that arose.  In Mombasa County, Ms. Sophie was updated on the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space (AFDS) project and the Mombasa county branch projects focusing on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), such as the URCBP project. The teams discussed overall partnership engagements, geared towards environmental conservation and capacity building within specific thematic areas such as Knowledge Management, Blue, and Green Economies.  During the URCBP site visit, the project team and the Community Disaster Management Committee had further discussions on how to rehabilitate and enhance overall mangrove conservation and restoration efforts. The mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection, and their conservation and restoration are critical for the well-being of communities living in the area.  The partnership between KRCS and Airbus Foundation has had a huge impact, with several projects being implemented to address various challenges facing communities in Nairobi and Mombasa counties. The Plasma Water units in schools have provided clean and safe drinking water to school-going children, reducing waterborne diseases. The Airbus Foundation Discovery Space has provided a platform for students to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), contributing to the development of future leaders and innovators. The DRR projects in Mombasa County have enhanced the resilience of communities to disasters, reducing the impact of disasters on their livelihoods.  Moving forward, the partnership between KRCS and Airbus Foundation will focus on sustainability and capacity building within specific thematic areas such as Knowledge Management, Blue, and Green Economies. This approach will ensure that projects are implemented sustainably, enhancing the well-being of communities while protecting the environment. 

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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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Development

KRCS and the French Embassy partner to promote youth empowerment in Mombasa County

Empowering youth with practical skills has become a vital component in the efforts to address the high rate of unemployment and poverty in many African communities. In Mombasa County, the Kenya Red Cross Society’s Innovation Unit, under the FSPI project and in partnership with the French Embassy, organized an Artistic Wednesday Session at the I.O.Me 001 Innovation hub, with a focus on beadwork. The workshop aimed to provide the youth with practical skills in beadwork, a craft that has a rich cultural heritage in many African communities, and can provide economic opportunities while helping to preserve traditional cultural practices.   The workshop brought together a group of enthusiastic youths who were eager to learn and improve their skills. The facilitators for the session were two experienced beadwork artists within Mombasa County who have worked on past projects and are currently monetizing their skills.   The workshop began with an introduction by the facilitators, who explained the significance of beadwork in their community. The participants were then shown a range of beadwork tools and materials, including threads and beads of various colours and sizes. The facilitators enlightened the participants on how to identify the right beads for a particular design, how to thread the beads, and how to create patterns and shapes using different stitching techniques.   As the workshop progressed, the participants grew more confident in their abilities and began to experiment with different beadwork designs. They also encouraged the participants to explore their unique styles and to find inspiration in their cultural heritage.   At the end of the session, the participants displayed their finished beadwork pieces, especially bracelets. They also shared their experiences and the challenges they had overcome in the process. The workshop also provided them with practical skills in beadwork, as well as an appreciation for the cultural and artistic significance of the craft.   The participants will go through a second session and get linked to hotels and resorts in Mombasa County, where they will be allocated platforms to showcase their products for sale. This will be a good opportunity for them to boost their self-employability.   With more workshops like this, the youth can become more self-reliant, contribute to the growth of their communities, and improve their overall well-being. 

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