Double the Fun, Double the Impact: My Incredible Week at the Maralal Maths Camps!
Double the Fun, Double the Impact: My Incredible Week at the Maralal Maths Camps!
What an extraordinary experience it was to be part of the Maralal Maths Camps from May 8th to 12th, 2025! As a member of the African Math Initiative (AMI) team, I had the privilege of witnessing this transformative initiative bringing mathematics to life for hundreds of students and teachers across Samburu County. It was particularly exciting for me to run parallel sessions at both The Irene School Maralal and Good Shepherd Minor Seminary (GOSHEM), and handling such a large and enthusiastic group of students was truly unforgettable.
Bringing Math to Life with Engaging Activities
My sessions were designed to ignite curiosity and build fundamental mathematical skills. We delved into Daily Puzzles, where the vibrant discussions and collaborative spirit of the girls at Irene School contrasted beautifully with the keen, competitive energy of the boys at GOSHEM. These puzzles underscored that problem-solving has many paths and that teamwork amplifies discovery.
Quick Maths brought an electrifying energy to the camps. Watching groups at GOSHEM race to be the first to correctly answer nine questions without pen or paper was exhilarating, and was met with contagious cheers. At Irene School, projected questions sparked equally high energy, with co-facilitators acting as cheerleaders, encouraging speed, collaboration, and confidence through lively discussions. This session wasn't just about quick answers; it was about sharpening number concepts and fostering teamwork.
The Game 15 and Magic Square sessions were a masterclass in strategic thinking. Starting with the simple goal of reaching 15, students at both schools quickly moved from playful competition to an exploration of patterns. Their faces lit up as they collectively filled the 3x3 Magic Square, revealing how basic addition could lead to complex mathematical structures.
Finally, The Chessboard and Wheat Grain activity provided a captivating journey into exponential growth. This ancient legend allowed students to grasp the mind-boggling scale of rapidly increasing numbers. It was a powerful example of how historical narratives can illuminate profound mathematical ideas and connect them to real-world understanding.
The Power of Mentorship Beyond Numbers
Beyond these engaging activities, a particularly impactful aspect of the Maralal Maths Camps was the mentorship program. It was clear from the outset that this initiative, spearheaded by collaborations including AMI, aimed to address deeper, systemic challenges in mathematics education within the region, especially given that many university- bound students had struggled with the subject. Our visit was more than just academic; it was a listening session designed to understand the students' realities, support the dedicated teachers, and build trust within the community. The early engagements were crucial, revealing not only gaps in mathematical understanding but also issues related to learner motivation, teacher pedagogical capacity, and the availability of context-appropriate learning resources.
What truly amplified the camp's impact was the follow-up mentorship engagement by the Strathmore University Community Outreach Programme, which began after the camp's official closure. These post-camp sessions were more personalized, operating at a classroom level. Working with smaller groups allowed us to tailor guidance, provide targeted feedback, and address individual learning needs. It created a safe space for learners to ask questions freely, engage deeply, and form meaningful connections with mentors.
Crucially, this mentorship extended far beyond just mathematics. Facilitators, including myself, initiated conversations around essential life skills, hygiene, emotional wellness, aspirations, and core values. By sharing my personal journey and encouraging students to reflect on their own, we aimed to foster confident, curious, and grounded young individuals. What might have seemed like an informal extension initially proved to be a pivotal part of the overall program. It reinforced the profound understanding that effective learning requires not just academic content, but also genuine care, contextual relevance, and meaningful connection. This holistic approach truly embodies Strathmore’s ethos of transformative education, and it was rewarding for AMI to contribute to this comprehensive support system.
An Unforgettable and Impactful Experience
Running parallel sessions across both schools and witnessing the sheer number of students engage with such enthusiasm was incredibly rewarding. Their growth, their "aha!" moments, and their willingness to collaborate and support each other made this week truly unforgettable. As part of AMI, it was a privilege to contribute to an initiative that so effectively brought mathematics to life, bridging abstract concepts with the rich, lived realities of the Samburu community.