African Data Initiative
Using technology to improve livelihoods throughout entire communities
African Data Initiative
Using technology to improve livelihoods throughout entire communities
There is a problem with statistical literacy throughout the world and we are keen to address it in Africa. This skill is invaluable in enabling informed decision making which is so vital in creating a stable and sustainable society. This requires a combination of better training and suitable statistical software. We’ve identified a gap in the statistical software available. We need software that is easy to use, even with low computer literacy. It should encourage good statistical practices and learning. It should also be free and open source, so that it is adaptable and sustainable.
Without the software the training is usually too theoretical. The appropriate software opens the door to training that can emphasize concepts rather than theory.
We have raised over £30,000 during a crowdsourcing campaign and are currently using the money to develop a statistical software tool in Africa by Africans by adapting two existing packages: Instat+ and R.
Our next round of funding will aim to raise money to:
- Train lecturers in educational institutions to adopt a more practical approach to statistics training.
- Make the training resources and software available in multiple languages.
- Change statistics training across all academic levels, not just universities. In particular we want to enhance teaching of statistical basics in schools.
Happy Classrooms
Providing classrooms with rich learning resources and supporting teachers to use
Happy Classrooms
Providing classrooms with rich learning resources and supporting teachers to use
The project is to deliver 50 'Happy Classrooms' for primary schools in Kenya. Inspired by the incredible initiative of BongoWorldwide in Malawi, we will work with schools to redesign and paint classrooms to be much brighter and full of rich learning resources. Our local and international teams work closely with local teachers, to develop resources and help deliver exciting lessons and promote a joy of learning for all.
Maths Clubs
Student-led activities run in schools to promote a joy of maths throughout the year
Maths Clubs
Student-led activities run in schools to promote a joy of maths throughout the year
The Maths Clubs initiative was founded in Kenya and has been implemented over the last year. At the end of the maths camp, alongside all the software used, students are given a year’s worth of resources for a weekly maths club. All students who attend the maths camp are encouraged to set up or improve maths clubs in the schools on their return, using these resources. Organisers of the camp undertake follow up visits to students in their schools and support the students until they are able to run the clubs in an effective way.
This initiative is not limited to students who have attended one of the camps; many schools have been visited and benefitted from “mini maths camps”, half or full day sessions that replicate the Maseno Maths camp, and then received resources and training to start maths clubs.
This initiative is building a large community of maths educators, maths enthusiasts and mathematicians, and is an opportunity to empower students to take responsibility for their own learning process inside and outside of school. It is however still in its infancy, when compared to the established maths camps which have been running for five years, and different ideas and implementations are being experimented with. It is hoped that it will develop into a sustainable, established programme which helps students not just across Kenya but more globally.
The Maths Clubs initiative is already being tested in Tanzania and Ghana and the resources are currently being translated to put to use in schools in Costa Rica. It shows early signs of being a highly scalable low cost model that can be used in different environments.
Maths Camps
Week-long camps of games, puzzles and activities to inspire students outside the curriculum
Maths Camps
Week-long camps of games, puzzles and activities to inspire students outside the curriculum
Launched in 2011, the Maths Camps initiative aims to inspire high school students across Africa through immersive and engaging mathematics experiences. Originally founded in Maseno, Kenya, the program has since expanded to eight African countries, impacting thousands of students and fostering a continent-wide community of mathematical enthusiasts.
Key Values:
The success of the Maths Camps is grounded in its core values: sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative learning. These camps introduce students to advanced mathematical concepts not typically found in the classroom, covering themes such as modelling, combinatorics, programming, code breaking, statistics, non-Euclidean geometry, and game theory. The camps emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, making mathematics both accessible and enjoyable for all participants.
Sustainability:
The Maths Camps operate as not-for-profit initiatives, supported by volunteers including local and international educators, academics, and mathematics enthusiasts. These camps are primarily funded through student registration fees, with many students receiving reduced fees to ensure broad accessibility. Local volunteers, including exceptional students, are mentored to take on future roles, ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the program across multiple countries.
Extra-Curricular Learning:
Focusing on mathematics beyond the traditional school curriculum, the camps offer a unique opportunity for students to explore mathematics in new and creative ways. With a focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing formulas, students develop essential problem-solving skills and a deeper appreciation for mathematics. Many participants return to school with enhanced performance in mathematics and other subjects.
Inclusivity:
The camps are open to all high school students aged 14 to 18, with no entry requirements. There is a strong emphasis on fostering diversity by ensuring an equal representation of students from different socio-economic backgrounds and academic abilities. The camps strive to maintain a balanced gender ratio, and participants come from a wide range of public, private, and national schools.
Technology & Development:
Technology plays a pivotal role in the camps, with tools like Geogebra and Scratch used to allow students to explore mathematics interactively. The camps also prioritize the development of new educational resources. Each year, new materials are created and shared with participants, ensuring that learning continues beyond the camp experience.
Building a Community:
The Maths Camps not only benefit students but also provide valuable opportunities for local and international volunteers to network, share knowledge, and grow professionally. Students and facilitators work closely together in a collaborative environment, breaking down traditional educational hierarchies. Many students return year after year and, in some cases, transition into volunteer roles after completing school.
Through these camps, a growing community of learners and educators continues to flourish, inspiring a passion for mathematics and developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Previous Projects
Digital Communities Initiative
Open software being made in Africa to help people make better use of data
Digital Communities Initiative
Open software being made in Africa to help people make better use of data
SAMI worked in the Kitale region of Western Kenya, on an initiative to improve livelihoods through the use of technology.
As part of the pilot project, more than 60 tablets were deployed and used in schools, with farmers and local enterprising women.