Somo Technologies LTD

Our Mission

Our mission is to nurture real love of learning through fun and interactive programs which empowers students to excel academically and develop life skills for the real world.

Our Core Values:

1. Passion for Learning: We believe in promoting a passion for learning for k12 grades. We value curiosity, creativity, innovation and a thirst for knowledge, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

2. Empowerment: We support students to excel academically and develop essential life skills. Through our programs, students gain confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges, preparing them for success in the real world.

3. Engagement: We prioritize fun, hands-on and interactive learning experiences that actively engage students. By making learning enjoyable, fun and relevant, we build a safe environment where students are motivated to participate, explore, and grow.

Our team lead is responsible for the following roles:

1. Facilitates partnerships with schools and fosters collaboration and teamwork among makerspace members.

2. Coordinates the activities and projects within the school based makerspaces.

3. Provides guidance and support to members, helping them develop their technical skills and overcome challenges. 

4. Builds the community within the makerspace through meetups and networking sessions, where members can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and build connections with each other.

5. Implements safety protocols, providing training on the safe use of equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace to minimize hazards.

Stephen Wanyingo the executive director and the team lead. Together with our supporting team members, we are well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project, despite other priorities within our organization. This is due to their diverse expertise, commitment to our mission, and capacity for collaboration and multitasking at Somo Technologies.

The team lead, as the primary point of contact for the LEAP Project, will play a key role in coordinating and overseeing the project's implementation, ensuring that timelines, milestones and deliverables are met. With experience in project management, research, and evaluation, Stephen possesses the skills necessary to guide the project team through each phase of the sprint, from planning and execution to analysis and dissemination of findings.

The supporting team members includes educators, STEAM specialists, researchers and program coordinators, and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the LEAP Project. Their expertise in curriculum development, pedagogy, and educational technology will be instrumental in designing and implementing research recommendations, study designs, and evaluation strategies that align with the goals of our makerspace program. Additionally, their understanding of the needs and challenges facing students and teachers in diverse educational settings will ensure that the outputs of the LEAP Project are relevant, practical, and impactful.

Despite other priorities within our organization, our team is committed to dedicating the necessary time and resources to the LEAP Project, recognizing its significance in advancing our mission and goals. The team understands the importance of balancing competing demands and managing workload effectively to ensure that the project remains on track and achieves its objectives within the 12-week timeframe.

Furthermore, our team thrives on collaboration and teamwork, and leverages each other's strengths and expertise to achieve shared goals. Through regular communication, meetings, and check-ins, we will foster a supportive and inclusive working environment where ideas can be exchanged, challenges addressed, and progress celebrated.

Somo partners with schools to establish makerspaces which foster love of learning and empowers students through interactive programs.

In Kenya, the education system and curriculum faces a significant challenge, where majority of K12 learners are limited to learning science solely through textbooks, without any practical or hands-on experimentation opportunities. This challenge arises from government and schools' inability to create interactive, hands-on learning environments such as makerspaces, primarily due to inadequate of resources, expertise and capacity. As a result, learners miss out on crucial opportunities to engage with scientific concepts in a tangible and experiential manner.

The absence of practical learning experiences has long hindered the development of creativity and curiosity among both students and educators in Kenya. And thus, without the opportunity to explore, experiment, and innovate, majority of students struggle to fully grasp real life skills and the practical applications of scientific principles. This not only affects their academic performance but also stifles their ability to develop critical thinking skills and adapt to real-world challenges.

Furthermore, the disconnect between classroom learning and real-world applications poses a significant barrier to talent development. Many learners find it challenging to bridge this gap, resulting in a lack of practical skills and knowledge which is essential for success in various industries.

The implications of this issue extend beyond individual students to the broader economic and social landscape of Kenya and Africa at large. As highlighted in the World Bank's 2021 Future of Work in Africa Report, access to quality education is crucial for driving industrial revolution and economic development. Without addressing the shortcomings in the education system, the Country and the continent at large risks falling behind in global competitiveness and innovation.

To address this challenge, urgent action is needed to equip schools with the resources and support necessary to establish makerspaces and other interactive learning environments. By providing students with opportunities for hands-on experimentation and exploration, we can foster a generation of innovators and problem solvers who are equipped to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

Somo partners with schools in Kenya to establish fun and interactive makerspaces which provides learners with the opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, Arts and mathematics (STEAM) topics through engaging activities. Our makerspaces empowers students to explore, experiment, and tackle challenges that spark their curiosity and passion.

Through fun and interactive programs, we nurture a real love of learning among students while empowering them to excel academically and develop essential life skills for the real world. Our approach is teacher-led but student-driven to foster STEAM engagement, literacy, and career development within schools.

Our diverse range of activities includes robotics, coding, game development, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, drone education, virtual reality, and digital design. These hands-on experiences not only enhance students' understanding of STEAM concepts but also encourage them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and innovate creatively.

By partnering with schools to integrate STEAM education through our makerspaces, we aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Our students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills that are increasingly in demand in today's workforce.

Our commitment to promoting STEAM, literacy and career readiness extends beyond the classroom. We strive to inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will drive positive change in their communities and contribute to the advancement of society as a whole.

Through our partnerships with schools, government agencies and education stakeholders in Kenya, we are shaping a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive in a rapidly evolving world which is driven by arts, science, technology, and innovation.

Somo Technologies has conducted both quantitative and qualitative research to assess the effectiveness of our makerspace solution. We have primarily focused on gathering feedback from partner schools and parents of students participating in our programs.

In quantitative research; Our organization has collected quantitative data on various metrics to measure the impact of our makerspace solution. This includes analyzing academic performance indicators such as test scores, grades, and standardized test results before and after participation in our programs. By comparing these data points, we can assess whether students who have engaged with our makerspaces demonstrate improvements in STEAM subjects and overall academic achievement.

In qualitative research; we have gather insights into the experiences and perceptions of students, teachers, and parents involved in our makerspace programs. This includes conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups to explore the perceived benefits of the program, challenges faced, and suggestions for improvement. Qualitative data allow us to capture feedback and understand the impact of our programs on student engagement, motivation, and skill development.

Through our research efforts, we have gathered valuable evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of our makerspace solution in several key areas:

1. Improved student engagement: Feedback from teachers and parents indicates that students participating in our makerspace programs are more engaged and enthusiastic about learning. They are eager to explore STEAM concepts through hands-on activities and enjoy the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical ways.

2. Enhanced academic performance: Quantitative data show positive correlations between participation in our makerspace programs and improvements in academic performance, particularly in STEAM subjects. Students who engage with our makerspaces demonstrate higher levels of achievement and mastery of key concepts.

3. Development of essential life skills: Both quantitative and qualitative research suggest that participation in makerspace activities helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills. These skills are essential for success in school, the workplace, and everyday life.

4. Positive feedback from stakeholders: Feedback from partner schools, teachers, and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the innovative approach to education and the positive impact it has had on students' learning experiences.

Overall, our research findings provide compelling evidence that our makerspace solution is effective in promoting student learning, engagement, and skill development. Moving forward, we will continue to build on this research base, gathering additional data and insights to further refine and strengthen our programs and expand their reach to more students and communities.

The data we have collected from our research and studies have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of our makerspace solution and have informed our work moving forward in several key ways.

Firstly and foremost, the research data have revealed a significant positive impact on student engagement. We found that students participating in our makerspace programs showed increased enthusiasm and motivation for learning, as evidenced by higher levels of participation, interest, and enjoyment in STEAM activities. This insight has reinforced the importance of providing hands-on, interactive learning experiences that captivate students' interest and encourage their active involvement in the learning process.

Secondly, the data have demonstrated improvements in academic performance among students engaged with our makerspaces. Quantitative analysis revealed that students who participated in our programs showed measurable gains in STEAM subjects, including higher test scores, improved grades, and greater proficiency in key concepts. This finding highlights the effectiveness of our approach in enhancing student learning outcomes and suggests that experiential learning in makerspaces can positively impact academic achievement.

In addition, the research data have shed light on the development of essential life skills among students participating in our makerspace programs. Qualitative feedback from teachers, parents, and students themselves indicated that engagement in hands-on activities fostered the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills. This insight has underscored the broader value of our makerspace solution in preparing students for success in the real world by equipping them with the skills they need to thrive academically and professionally.

Moreover, the data collected have provided valuable feedback from stakeholders, including partner schools, teachers, and parents, which has informed our program design and implementation moving forward. We have used this feedback to refine our curriculum, tailor our instructional approaches, and address any challenges or areas for improvement identified through the research process. For example, based on input from teachers, we have adjusted the pacing of activities, provided additional support materials, and offered professional development opportunities to enhance their capacity to facilitate makerspace learning effectively. 

And thus, the data collected from our research and studies have affirmed the effectiveness of our makerspace solution in promoting student engagement, improving academic performance, and developing essential life skills. Moving forward, we will continue to use research-based evidence to guide our programmatic decisions, refine our approaches, and expand our impact to reach more students and communities. By leveraging the insights gained from our research efforts, we are confident that we can continue to innovate and improve upon our makerspace solution to better serve the needs of learners and educators in Kenya and beyond

At Somo, we specialize in establishing fun and interactive makerspaces that enable students and teachers from grades 1 to 12 to conduct experiments and engage in activities using everyday materials. Our approach is unique in that it emphasizes accessibility, allowing students to explore science and technology regardless of their prior knowledge or access to expensive lab materials.

Our makerspaces provide a customized and engaging learning journey for students, empowering them to excel academically and develop crucial life skills for the real world. We believe that by nurturing real love of learning, we can foster collaboration among teachers, parents, and students, and promote holistic education to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

While our innovative model has proven successful in private schools in Kenya, which forms majority of our partners, we recognize the need to strengthen the evidence base of our solution to facilitate partnerships with government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Education in Kenya. This is crucial to enable us to expand our program to public schools in Kenya and reach a larger number of students.

The timing for this LEAP Project is ideal since we have identified a strategic opportunity to partner with government agencies in Kenya to roll out our program in public schools starting early next year. Strengthening the evidence base of our solution through the LEAP Project will provide us with the necessary data and insights to support our collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders.

In addition, the LEAP Project will enable us to assess the effectiveness and impact of our makerspaces in diverse educational settings. By collecting quantitative and qualitative data on student performance, engagement, and skill development, we can demonstrate the value of our approach and tailor our programs to better meet the needs of our growing community.

Furthermore, engaging in the LEAP Project aligns with our long-term goals of scaling our impact and promoting equitable access to quality education across Kenya. By leveraging the resources and expertise of the LEAP network, we can strengthen our evidence base, refine our strategies, and ultimately expand our reach to more schools and communities.

This program presents a timely opportunity for Somo Technologies to strengthen the evidence base of our solution and advance our mission of transforming education in Kenya. Through strategic partnerships and data-driven insights, we aim to make our interactive makerspaces accessible to all students, regardless of their economic background or school setting.

1. What is the impact of Somo's interactive makerspaces on student academic performance, engagement, and skill development in school settings in Kenya?

2. How does the implementation of Somo's makerspace program in public schools compare to its effectiveness in private schools, particularly in terms of resource allocation, teacher involvement, and student outcomes?

3. What are the key factors influencing the adoption and sustainability of Somo's makerspace model in different educational contexts, and how can these insights inform future program development and scalability efforts?

At Somo, our desired outputs include research recommendations and tools that will inform our approach to strengthening the evidence base of our solution, particularly in the context of expanding our makerspace program to public schools in Kenya. These outputs will be designed to provide valuable insights into the impact, effectiveness, and scalability of our program, as well as key factors influencing its adoption and sustainability.

1. Study Designs: One of the primary outputs we seek from the LEAP Project is a set of recommended study designs for evaluating the impact of our makerspace program. This may include longitudinal studies to track student academic performance and skill development over time, comparative studies to assess the effectiveness of our program in different school settings, and qualitative research to explore the experiences and perceptions of teachers, students, and parents involved in the program.

2. Strategies and Frameworks: We aim to develop strategies and frameworks for collecting and analyzing data related to student outcomes, program implementation, and stakeholder engagement. This may involve designing surveys, interviews, and observation protocols to measure student engagement, assess learning outcomes, and identify challenges and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, we will develop frameworks for evaluating the fidelity and scalability of our program across diverse educational contexts.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation Tools: To ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of our makerspace program, we will develop tools and indicators to track progress, measure impact, and identify areas for adjustment or refinement. This may include developing dashboards or data visualization tools to monitor key metrics such as student attendance, participation rates, and academic performance. We will also design evaluation tools to gather feedback from teachers, students, and administrators on their experiences with the program and its perceived impact on learning outcomes and school culture.

The insights will help us to lay the foundation for a robust evidence base that will support our efforts to scale our makerspace program and advocate for its adoption in public schools in Kenya. These research recommendations and tools will not only inform our approach to program implementation and evaluation but also contribute valuable insights to the broader field of STEAM education and innovation in low-resource settings. Through collaboration with LEAP Fellows and leveraging their expertise, we are confident that we can develop high-quality research designs and evaluation strategies that will enhance the impact and sustainability of our makerspace program.

After the conclusion of the LEAP Project, Somo Technologies will put the outputs into action through a strategic and iterative process aimed at strengthening the evidence base of our makerspace program and informing our approach to program implementation and expansion in public schools in Kenya.

Firstly and foremost, we will review and refine the research recommendations, study designs, strategies, frameworks, and monitoring and evaluation tools produced during the LEAP Project sprint. This will involve incorporating feedback from stakeholders, including LEAP Fellows, educators, and program participants, to ensure that the outputs are comprehensive, relevant, and actionable.

With the finalized outputs in hand, our organization will proceed to implement the recommended study designs and evaluation strategies to assess the impact and effectiveness of our makerspace program. This may involve conducting baseline assessments to establish key metrics and benchmarks, implementing interventions in selected public schools, and collecting data on student outcomes, program implementation fidelity, and stakeholder engagement over time.

As data is collected and analyzed, we will regularly review findings and adjust our programmatic approach as needed. This may include modifying curriculum content, refining training materials for teachers, optimizing makerspace design and resources, and addressing any identified barriers to program uptake or sustainability.

The insights gained from the monitoring and evaluation process will also inform our efforts to advocate for the adoption of our makerspace program in public schools and garner support from government agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. We will use evidence of the program's impact on student learning outcomes, engagement, and skill development to demonstrate its value and relevance in improving educational quality and promoting STEM literacy.

Overally, the frameworks and tools developed during the LEAP Project will be integrated into our ongoing monitoring and evaluation practices, ensuring that we continue to collect robust data and measure progress towards our programmatic goals. This will enable us to track the long-term impact of our makerspace program, identify areas for continuous improvement, and make evidence-based decisions to optimize program delivery and scalability.

We strongly believe that the 12-week LEAP Project sprint will yield several desired long-term outcomes for both Somo Technologies as an organization  and our makerspace program:

1. Improved Program Effectiveness: Through the research recommendations, study designs, and monitoring and evaluation tools developed during the LEAP Project sprint, we aim to enhance the effectiveness of our makerspace program. By collecting and analyzing data on student outcomes, program implementation, and stakeholder engagement, we will gain insights into what aspects of the program are working well and where improvements can be made. This will enable us to refine our curriculum, teaching methods, and resource allocation to better meet the needs of students and educators.

2. Increased Program Impact: The outputs of the LEAP Project sprint will enable us to measure the impact of our makerspace program more accurately and comprehensively. By tracking indicators such as student academic performance, engagement, and skill development, we will be able to demonstrate the positive effects of the program on learning outcomes and prepare compelling evidence for stakeholders, including government agencies, funders, and educational institutions. This, in turn, will strengthen our ability to advocate for the expansion of our program to more schools and communities.

3. Enhanced Scalability: With a clearer understanding of what works and what doesn't, as well as frameworks and tools for monitoring and evaluation, we will be better equipped to scale our makerspace program effectively. By identifying best practices and strategies for implementation, we can replicate and adapt our program to different educational contexts and settings, reaching a larger number of students across Kenya and beyond. This will enable us to fulfill our mission of providing equitable access to quality education and STEAM opportunities for all learners.

4. Strengthened Partnerships: The LEAP Project sprint will also facilitate the development of partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. By demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of our makerspace program through rigorous research and evaluation, we can build credibility and trust with potential partners, paving the way for collaboration on program implementation, funding, and policy advocacy. These partnerships will be essential for achieving long-term sustainability and scalability of our solution.

5. Empowered Learning Community: Ultimately, the desired long-term outcome of the LEAP Project sprint is to empower a vibrant learning community that is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to drive positive change in education. By engaging educators, students, parents, and other stakeholders in the research and evaluation process, we will foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within our organization and the broader education ecosystem. This will ensure that our makerspace program remains responsive to the evolving needs of learners and contributes to a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.