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Category: Training

Category: Training

STEM

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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Marketing

Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute Phase 2 of 2025

The Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute (WSEI) continues to uplift informal entrepreneurs, helping them grow into impactful business leaders. Following a successful pilot in Mombasa, Phase Two of WSEI launched in April 2025 through a partnership between the French Red Cross, Kenya Red Cross Society, and ICC Merchants of Peace Foundation. This six-month phase is supporting 25 early-stage female founders in the green and circular economies across Kenya’s Coastal region. The program includes training in entrepreneurship basics, human- centered design, financial literacy, digital skills, mental health, and more. A key milestone was the Mid-Program Pitch Competition on June 26, 2025, held at the I.O.Me Fablab in Mombasa. Entrepreneurs received valuable feedback from distinguished ecosystem players, including Dr. Tayba Hatimy of Baus Taka, Biabu Shaffie from YEPI, and Vincent Mutisya of Sieg Strategy Group, boosting their confidence and investor readiness.  As the program progresses, the focus will shift to advisory support and real-world business exposure.

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Marketing

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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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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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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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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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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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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