Aiducation's Summer School Ignites Passion for Sustainable Food Systems in Kenya
In collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Swiss Study Foundation, Bühler Group, and Syngenta, Aiducation International proudly facilitated the second edition of its Summer School program in Kenya, running from March 27th to April 6th, 2023. The program, themed around the Sustainable Development Goal “No Hunger” (SDG2), gathered 30 students from Switzerland and Kenya and six young professionals to explore pathways toward sustainable food systems.
Program insights...
The 10-day immersive experience commenced with a warm welcome from Harriet Were, CEO of Aiducation International Kenya, and keynote speeches delivered by distinguished guests, including Ms Manuela Leimgruber, Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy in Kenya. Participants were not only greeted with enthusiasm but also presented with an exciting opportunity to showcase their ingenuity through an award for the best projects promoting food sustainability. Engaging in a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and field trips, they delved deep into the complexities of food security and sustainable agriculture, setting the tone for a transformative journey ahead. This initiative underscored the program's commitment to fostering innovative solutions and empowering young leaders in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.
Group picture of the summer school participants in Nairobi - March/April 2023
Why Food Security? Impact of the Program
With nearly one in every three Kenyans facing food insecurity, the urgency to address this issue is paramount. The Summer School provided a unique platform for participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of food systems and their impact on communities. Through expert guidance, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, participants developed innovative solutions to tackle food insecurity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
images of participants taken during the input session and field visists
Summary of Participant's Insights
Rhonajoy, one of the participants, shared her transformative journey, highlighting the program's profound impact on her understanding of food security challenges and solutions. From cultural exchanges to collaborative challenges and presentations, participants like Rhonajoy emerged with a heightened awareness of sustainable solutions and a network of like-minded peers passionate about driving positive change.
Read more of Rhonajoy’s insights here.
Rhonajoy during the summer school academy sessions
The outcome of the Program: Award Winners
During Summer School, participants were given the opportunity to explore pathways toward sustainable food systems, culminating in an exciting competition where they devised projects aimed at promoting food sustainability. This initiative led to outstanding proposals from Sanga Mwangolo and Binti Said, both esteemed alumni of the Aiducation Scholarship program in Kenya. Now, their visionary initiatives, focusing on leveraging artificial intelligence in agriculture and safeguarding consumers from harmful pesticides in food, have earned them a place in Aiducation's Start-Up Fund (1000 Young Entrepreneurs), receiving funding and support to bring their projects to fruition. We're proud to champion their entrepreneurial journey and look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of their projects on food sustainability in Kenya and beyond. You can find more details on Sanga's project here and Binti's project here as shared by Pulse Kenya, one of the media outlets in Kenya.
Participants doing presentations at the summer school academy
Appreciation to All Partners
A heartfelt appreciation goes to all partners involved, including the Swiss Study Foundation, Bühler Group, Syngenta, and the numerous speakers and coaches who generously shared their expertise. Their unwavering support and commitment to advancing the SDGs have been instrumental in shaping the success of the Summer School and empowering a new generation of changemakers.
Reflecting on the Summer School's outcomes, we remain committed to continuing our efforts to address food insecurity and promote sustainable development. Together, we're paving the way for a more food-secure and resilient future.
Join the Movement and ignite the Change!
Pulse Kenya's impactful video serves as a call to action, urging viewers to join the movement and ignite change. As you listen to the heartfelt stories of the beneficiaries who participated in the Summer School program and the passionate insights of the CEOs, you'll be inspired to become part of this transformative journey. Whether it's through supporting scholarships, offering mentorship, or contributing to employability and entrepreneurship initiatives, your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of young individuals yearning for a chance to make a positive difference.
Published by Boniface Mahulo