Oasis Mathare

Mission

Our mission is to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and youth by providing access to safe spaces, quality education, skills and economic opportunities.

Vision

Our vision is the transformed lives of children and youth.

Core Values

Respect

Responsibility

Resilience

Philanthropy

As the Oasis Hub Lead, the assigned team leader, plays a pivotal role in overseeing day-to-day project implementation within the organization. She ensures the quality delivery of programs by capacity-building trainers, conducting program evaluations and curriculum reviews, advocating for the programs, and leading the recruitment of trainees. She is responsible for ensuring all necessary training materials and equipment are available and leads trainee internship/apprenticeship placements as required.

As the focal point for program operations across all four active programs, the Team Lead acts as a bridge between strategic planning and execution, ensuring that initiatives align with organizational goals and objectives. She also plays a critical role in fostering teamwork, providing guidance and support to team members, and maintaining effective communication both within the team and with external stakeholders. The Team Lead's leadership is instrumental in driving program success and maintaining high program delivery and impact standards.

The Team Lead and supporting team members within our organization are well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project, despite other existing priorities. Oasis Mathare, with its current structure and active programs, possesses the necessary expertise and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the LEAP Project.

Firstly, the Hub lead, who is the designated Team Lead for this project, oversees program operations and project implementation across various initiatives and brings adequate experience in managing complex projects and ensuring successful outcomes. Her role involves coordinating trainers, conducting evaluations, and overseeing recruitment—all skills that directly translate to supporting the LEAP Project's goals. Additionally, she is adept at managing resources efficiently, which will be crucial during the research-intensive phases of the LEAP Project.

The Executive Director's involvement is also significant. With a strategic leadership role in our organization, the Executive Director can provide valuable insights and guidance to align the LEAP Project with our overall mission and vision. His strategic perspective will ensure that the project contributes effectively to our organizational objectives while balancing other priorities.

Moreover, the Operations Lead, responsible for administration, accounting, and operations, will play a pivotal role in facilitating the logistics and financial aspects of the LEAP Project. This includes managing budgets, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies—a critical support function for the success of any project within our organization.

In terms of our team's ability to commit 3-4 hours per week to the LEAP Project over 12 weeks, we have evaluated our current workload and believe this commitment is feasible without compromising our other ongoing programs. Our existing programs—TextSchool, Economic Empowerment Programs, STEAMD, and Safe Spaces for Early Child Development and Literacy—are important pillars of our organization. However, with effective delegation, time management, and coordination among team members, we are confident in our ability to allocate resources appropriately to accommodate the LEAP Project.

To ensure successful support for the LEAP Project alongside our other commitments, we will implement the following strategies:

1. Resource Allocation: We will prioritize tasks and allocate resources efficiently to ensure that team members can dedicate the required time to the LEAP Project without neglecting other responsibilities.
2. Team Collaboration: Our team will work collaboratively, leveraging each member's strengths and expertise to efficiently tackle project requirements.
3. Regular Progress Reviews: We will conduct regular check-ins and progress reviews to assess our performance and make any necessary adjustments to our approach.
4. Clear Communication: Open communication channels will be maintained to address any challenges or issues promptly, ensuring smooth project execution.

The Coding and Robotics program is a special program aimed at empowering learners with engineering, computational and technological skills.

Most Early Childhood and Primary Learning rarely incorporate programs that engage Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM), this notwithstanding the fact that the world as is currently is tech-driven and would require such skills. Most educational curriculums incorporate STEM when the learners have advanced in age. Far worse is the situation in underdeveloped and developing countries as the curriculums would only be advanced to incorporate STEM in universities due to a lack of resources and appreciation of the impact of incorporating STEM in Early Childhood Learning.

Kenya Vision 2030 and Sessional Paper No. 2 of 2015 put great emphasis on the importance of science, technology and innovation. This necessitated a change in the educational system that was in place as the existing system would not help achieve any of these desired goals. For a long time, Kenya operated on the 8-4-4 (content based) system, however, in 2017 a new system was introduced and we are now transitioning to a Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) that incorporates among other things STEM.

While the issue of the curriculum was addressed, there exists a huge gap in terms  of resources necessary to the achievement of the desired goal. CBC, being a new system, hasn't yet been well established and thus not all the required resources have been availed to learning institutions to support in the learning process. Most lower and upper primary as well as junior and secondary learning institutions lack the resources for STEM learning. These resources include but are not limited to skilled teachers, STEM learning materials such as computers, textbooks, workbooks, toys and manipulatives and experiment kits among others.

Oasis Mathare, cognisant of the impact of STEM in educational programs for all categories of learners and the word at large, and in alignment with the Kenya Vision 2030 seeks to bridge the gulf that has for a long time existed in Kenya’s educational system by supplementing under resourced educational institutions with the resources and skills necessary for learners to tap into and engage with computational thinking, engineering and technology for their and the communities positive development. To this end, Oasis Mathare provides training not only to students but to teachers as well, in order to make sustainable impact, in coding and robotics. 

At Oasis Mathare, our commitment is deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves quality education. Further, we believe in the transformative promise of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, “Leave No One Behind”. We are therefore committed to leave no child behind in delivering quality education and seek to do this by addressing the learning institutions in Nairobi’s Mathare slums and its environs.

The Coding and Robotics program is designed to empower learners across the divide with engineering, computational and technological skills necessary for their and the community’s positive development. Learners are through this program exposed to resources that they otherwise would not have engaged with due to their backgrounds.

Oasis Mathare (OM) provides various learning institutions with computers and other STEM learning material such as textbooks, workbooks, manipulatives and toys, and learning courses among others. Further, at least two teachers per institution in addition to learners are trained by Oasis Mathare’s tech team and experts. The program is delivered in a club set up, where all the learners interested, which is usually almost the entire school, join the Coding and Robotics club where they are systematically educated.

 OM adopts this model as it allows for the identification of a learner’s interests and talent and further development. Additionally, training the teacher is a more sustainable approach as it allows for different learners to learn at different times as per the school’s schedule. Further, the approach allows the OM team to access more schools than if they (OM tech team) were the only ones imparting the skills. The approach also provides inspiration to the learners as they get to see people they look up to engage in the same things they are interested in.

At the end of every school term (semester), select learners from various schools converge at a hackathon that OM facilitates and spearleads. Here they get to explore their potential and challenge themselves in a competitive but learning and innovation driven engagement. The learners get to work on various solutions that seek to address some of the challenges common in their communities. Apart from the innovative solutions, other outcomes of the hackathon and general Coding and Robotics program include creative thinking, critical and analytical thinking, teamwork, and a spirit of patriotism and responsible citizenry as they get to use their skills to address the nation’s issues one community at a time, among others.

Oasis Mathare has not done any research or studies to determine the effectiveness of the solution, largely due to lack of capacity. However, there have been special recognitions from the African Union and Queen’s Commonwealth Trust for  the impactful work it does in enabling access to quality education and reducing inequalities, among others.

No data collected yet

Strengthening the evidence base of Coding and Robotics (the solution) is essential for Oasis Mathare to demonstrate impact, improve program effectiveness, and attract funding based on measurable outcomes. We currently lack a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) department and recognize the urgent need to build capacity in this area to conduct rigorous impact assessments and enhance evidence-based programming. We're currently developing interventions on a problem-potential solution axis, and not evidence-based programming. We appreciate this challenge and recognize the following as functional gaps/next steps; 

Establishing a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework:

1. Needs Assessment and Program Design:

   • Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify specific educational challenges and gaps in underserved areas targeted by the solution.
   • Engage stakeholders, including community members, educators, and local authorities, to gather insights into the desired outcomes and potential impacts of the solution.
   • Use findings from the needs assessment to inform the improvement of  design and implementation of the solution, ensuring alignment with community needs and priorities.

2. Monitoring and Data Collection:

   • Develop a structured M&E plan for the solution, outlining key performance indicators (KPIs), data collection methods, and reporting timelines.
   • Implement robust monitoring systems to track user engagement, content utilization, and program reach on the the solution platform.
   • Train staff and volunteers on data collection protocols and ensure consistent data entry and management practices.

3. Evaluation and Impact Reporting:

• Conduct regular evaluations to assess the impact of the solution on educational outcomes, such as improvements in learning achievement, retention rates, and digital literacy skills.
• Employ both quantitative (e.g., pre-and post-intervention surveys, academic performance assessments) and qualitative methods to capture diverse perspectives and outcomes.
• Prepare detailed impact reports showcasing the effectiveness and success of the solution in addressing educational challenges and contributing to positive change in target communities.

Building Capacity and Resource Mobilization:

1. Capacity Building:

   • Invest in staff training and development to build expertise in M&E practices, including data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
   • Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the organization, encouraging staff to leverage M&E findings for program adaptation and optimization.

2. Resource Mobilization:

• Utilize evidence-based impact reports to strengthen fundraising efforts and attract support from donors, philanthropic organizations, and development partners.
• Highlight measurable outcomes and success stories to demonstrate the value and impact of the solution in addressing educational inequalities and improving access to quality education.

Collaboration and Partnerships

1. Engage External Experts and Consultants:

   • Collaborate with external M&E experts and consultants to provide technical assistance and guidance in establishing and implementing a robust M&E framework for the solution.
   • Tap into existing networks and partnerships within the development sector to leverage resources and share best practices in evidence-based programming.

2. Peer Learning and Knowledge Sharing:

   • Participate in M&E-focused workshops, conferences, and peer-learning opportunities to exchange experiences and learn from other organizations implementing similar initiatives.
   • Foster collaboration with academic institutions and research organizations to conduct rigorous evaluations and generate actionable insights for program improvement.

By prioritizing the development of a strong M&E framework, Oasis Mathare can enhance the evidence base of the solution, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making, increased accountability, and greater impact in transforming educational outcomes for underserved communities in Kenya.

1. How does the utilization of TextSchool impact academic performance and learning outcomes among students in underserved communities?
2. What are the key factors influencing user engagement and adoption of TextSchool, particularly among students with limited access to traditional educational resources?
3. How does the implementation of TextSchool contribute to broader community empowerment and social change in targeted areas?

For the 12-week LEAP Project sprint, our desired outputs focus on generating actionable insights and evidence to strengthen the evidence base of our Coding and Robotics program. These outputs are designed to address the research questions outlined earlier and provide valuable information to inform program improvements, decision-making, and advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Data Collection Plan: Outline methods, instruments, as well as timeline for data collection.

• Participant Surveys and Assessments: Develop and administer quantitative surveys and assessments to gather data on academic performance, career aspirations, and socio-emotional skills.

• Qualitative Interviews and Focus Groups: Conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups to gather in-depth insights into participants' experiences and perceptions.

Longitudinal Tracking and Comparative Analysis

• Longitudinal Tracking System: Develop a system to track participants' progress over time, monitoring outcomes like academic achievement and career pathways.

• Comparative Analysis: Compare the impact of different program delivery models and instructional approaches on participants' engagement and outcomes.

Research Reporting and Recommendations

• Research Report: The final output of the LEAP Project sprint will be a research report summarizing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on the data collected and analyzed. This report will provide stakeholders with an in-depth understanding of the program's impact and effectiveness, as well as actionable insights for program improvement and future research.

Overall, the goal of these outputs is to present compelling evidence of how the Coding and Robotics program affects participants' academic performance, preparedness for the workforce, and socioemotional growth. By utilizing the resources and expertise of the LEAP Project sprint, we hope to fortify our program's evidence basis and guarantee its continuous efficacy in equipping young students with critical STEM skills for the future.

Oasis Mathare is committed to translating the outputs from the LEAP Project into actionable steps that strengthen the evidence base of the Coding and Robotics program and drive positive impact within underserved communities. By leveraging research findings and recommendations, we aim to enhance program effectiveness, foster stakeholder engagement, and ultimately advance our mission of improving access to quality education. The outcomes of the LEAP Project will catalyze sustainable change and contribute to the long-term success and scalability of our educational initiatives.

On the conclusion of the LEAP Project sprint and the receipt of outputs developed by the LEAP Fellows, Oasis Mathare will strategically implement and leverage these outputs to strengthen the evidence base of Coding and Robotics and inform our programmatic approach moving forward. Here's how we plan to put these outputs into action:

Data Collection and Analysis

• We will use the data collected through surveys, assessments, interviews, and focus groups to gain a comprehensive understanding of participants' experiences, outcomes, and perceptions related to the Coding and Robotics program.

• We will analyze the data using statistical methods, qualitative analysis techniques, and comparative approaches to identify patterns, trends, and correlations.

• The insights generated from data analysis will inform our understanding of the program's impact on participants' academic achievement, career readiness, and socio-emotional development, as well as the factors influencing program effectiveness.

Longitudinal Tracking and Comparative Analysis

• By comparing the results across multiple program variants and settings, we will assess the efficacy of various program delivery models and instructional approaches.

• Insights from the comparative analysis will help us identify best practices, areas for improvement, and strategies for optimizing program delivery to meet the varied needs of participants.

• We will adapt our program delivery strategies, curriculum design, and instructional methods to improve engagement, learning outcomes, and socio-emotional development based on the findings.

Research Reporting and Recommendations

• We will communicate the research findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the relevant stakeholders, including program staff, educators, parents, policymakers, funders, and the broader community.

• We will implement the recommended changes and improvements to the Coding and Robotics program, leveraging the insights gained from the research to enhance program efficacy and sustainability.

Overall, by putting these outputs into action, our organization aims to continuously improve the Coding and Robotics program, maximize its impact on participants, and advocate for the importance of STEM education and technology integration in empowering young learners for success in the digital age.

The desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for both Oasis Mathare and Coding and Robotics encompass a range of impactful changes that will contribute to the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of our educational solution. Here are the envisioned outcomes:

For Oasis Mathare (Organization):

1. Enhanced Organizational Capacity:

• Strengthened expertise and capacity in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices, allowing Oasis Mathare to conduct rigorous impact assessments and evidence-based decision-making across all programs.

• Improved staff competencies in research design, data analysis, and reporting, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the organization.

Strategic Program Development:

• Informed programmatic strategies and interventions based on actionable recommendations derived from the LEAP Project outputs, leading to more targeted and effective initiatives that address community needs and priorities.

• Enhanced ability to adapt and iterate programs in response to evolving challenges and opportunities identified through evidence-based insights.

Increased Stakeholder Engagement and Support:

• Heightened engagement with stakeholders, including donors, partners, government agencies, and local communities, through evidence-based impact reporting and advocacy efforts.

• Expanded network of supporters and collaborators drawn to Oasis Mathare's commitment to data-driven innovation and impact in education.

Improved Resource Mobilization:

• Enhanced ability to secure funding and resources based on demonstrated impact and program effectiveness, enabling sustained growth and scalability of Oasis Mathare's educational initiatives.

• Increased credibility and trust among donors and investors through transparent and accountable reporting on outcomes and achievements.

For Coding and Robotics (Solution):

1. Optimized Program Effectiveness:

• Improved delivery and impact of the solution as a result of refined strategies and interventions informed by the LEAP Project outputs, leading to measurable improvements in educational access, learning outcomes, and digital literacy among target beneficiaries.

• Enhanced user engagement and satisfaction through tailored content, improved usability, and responsive program design.

Scalability and Sustainability:

• Strengthened evidence base and programmatic framework for Coding and Robotics, facilitating its expansion to new regions and communities with confidence in its ability to drive positive change and deliver meaningful impact.

• Increased potential for partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders interested in leveraging technology for educational empowerment and social development.

Community Empowerment and Impact:

• Greater community empowerment and participation in education, driven by the transformative effects of Coding and Robotics on learners, parents, educators, and local leaders.

• Positive social change and systemic improvements in educational equity and access within underserved areas, catalyzed by the sustained impact of Coding and Robotics over time.

Policy Influence and Advocacy:

• Informed policy discussions and advocacy efforts aimed at integrating educational technology and innovation into national and regional education agendas, leveraging Coding and Robotics success and evidence of impact to drive broader systemic change.