GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON
Did you know that in 2024, almost 1.13 million primary school children in Kenya aged 6 to 13 years old have dropped out of school, according to a recent survey?
This alarming statistic highlights a range of challenges hindering access to education, including limited internet access, parental reservations about education, nomadic lifestyles, and financial barriers to school fees. Globally, approximately 5% of children are out of school, while many enrolled students struggle to meet educational standards. Disparities in access to quality education persist, particularly in underserved communities, as highlighted by a report from Usawa, a non-governmental organisation.
In response to these challenges, the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica-Strathmore University have united to launch the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon. This collaborative initiative aims to merge technology and education, addressing the root causes of educational inequity and fostering innovation in learning.
With GLC’s commitment to equitable education, HP’s technological expertise, and @iBizAfrica’s role as an entrepreneurial hub at Strathmore University, the stage was set for transformative change. The hackathon, held on April 12th, 2024, brought together 20 student innovators from various Kenyan universities to develop AI-powered solutions for educational challenges. The universities represented were Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kisii University, Riara University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).
Participants were tasked with creating tools and platforms to bridge the digital divide, foster inclusivity and enhance learning outcomes. Emphasising locally relevant content and transparent decision-making, the hackathon aimed to address the unique needs of the Kenyan education system.
Throughout the event, participants received mentorship, training, and collaborative opportunities to refine their ideas. The atmosphere was charged with purpose and determination as students worked together to make a difference.
Lexi Syoluka, 2nd Year Law Student and Maxwell Opondo, 3rd Year Computer Science Student,
Strathmore University
Ultimately, two projects stood out for their innovative potential: Maxwell Opondo’s Zerobionic and Lexi Syoluka’s AI Career Assessment Tool.
Zerobionic focuses on addressing challenges encountered by individuals with disabilities by utilising a robotic arm that translates signs and gestures into speech, subsequently breaking down complex concepts to aid comprehension. Meanwhile, Lexi’s idea is an AI Career Assessment Tool that would revolutionise career planning by utilising advanced algorithms to analyse individual skills, interests, personality traits, and career aspirations.
Maxwell and Lexi’s upcoming attendance at the Global Learning Council’s Annual Meeting on June 24th to 25th, 2024, in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, symbolises a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future of education. With its emphasis on collaboration, innovation and impact, the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon has not only sparked transformative ideas but also cultivated a community of changemakers committed to driving change in education.
In conclusion, the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of education. Through their visionary solutions, both winners and participants alike underscore the potential of technology to transform lives and empower learners worldwide.
@iBizAfrica Incubation Centre, Strathmore University.
