Partnership with DEVISE4KE Consortium: Driving Educational Transformation in Rural Kenya
The DEVISE4KE Consortium is an international partnership with a mission to revolutionize education in the rural Homa Bay region of Kenya. With a focus on digitalization, green energy, and integrating work-based learning, the consortium seeks to bridge the gap between education and industry while empowering communities through innovative solutions.
Rongo University, in collaboration with Marista Durango (Spain), Warnborough College (Ireland), and the University of Bremen (Germany) is implementing an EU-funded project aimed at equipping secondary schools with low-energy digital devices and solar power systems to enhance ICT literacy among students
Project Goals and Focus Areas
The DEVISE4KE partnership is designed to bring about transformative changes in education through a series of targeted initiatives. The project’s main areas of focus are:
1. Digitalization of Education
The consortium recognizes the importance of digital tools in modern education. By providing access to digital resources, online learning platforms, and technological infrastructure, DEVISE4KE seeks to enable rural schools in Homa Bay to bridge the digital divide. Teachers and students will be trained in digital literacy, making education more accessible, interactive, and future-oriented.
Key initiatives under this goal include:
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- Equipping schools with computers, internet connectivity, and other IT resources.
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- Training teachers in the effective use of e-learning tools and platforms.
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- Developing digital curricula that align with the Kenyan Ministry of Education’s guidelines.
2. Linking Education and Industry
One of the unique aspects of the DEVISE4KE project is its emphasis on creating a strong connection between education and industry. By fostering partnerships with local businesses, the consortium aims to ensure that students receive practical, industry-relevant education that prepares them for the workforce.
Planned activities include:
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- Designing vocational training programs tailored to the needs of the local job market.
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- Offering internships and apprenticeships to help students gain hands-on experience.
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- Collaborating with industries to create work-based learning opportunities for both students and teachers.
3. Green Energy Solutions
Sustainability is at the core of the DEVISE4KE project. The consortium aims to incorporate green energy solutions into schools and educational institutions to promote environmental awareness and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
Specific efforts in this area involve:
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- Introducing solar energy systems to power schools and training centers in Homa Bay.
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- Teaching students and teachers about renewable energy and sustainable practices.
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- Promoting green innovations as part of the broader educational framework.
4. Work-Based Learning Integration
To ensure that education is practical and aligned with real-world requirements, DEVISE4KE is prioritizing work-based learning integration. This initiative is designed to help students gain valuable skills and experience through experiential learning opportunities.
Key activities include:
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- Embedding work-based tasks into school curricula, such as agricultural, technical, and entrepreneurial projects.
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- Hosting workshops and training sessions for teachers to implement work-based learning methodologies.
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- Encouraging partnerships with employers to offer students opportunities to solve real-world problems in their communities.
The Role of Rongo University
Rongo University plays a pivotal role in the success of the DEVISE4KE Consortium. As a regional coordinator and hub for the project, Rongo University’s deep understanding of the local conditions and its relationships with the Kenyan Ministry of Education and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) make it an ideal partner.
The university’s key responsibilities include:
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- Conducting state analysis to assess the current educational and vocational training landscape in Homa Bay.
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- Acting as a regional coordinator for the project, managing communications with local schools, communities, and authorities.
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- Hosting training programs for teachers, who will attend sessions at the university to enhance their skills and prepare for virtual project meetings.
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- Supporting the creation and implementation of online learning programs, which Rongo University has already successfully pioneered.
Key International Partners
The DEVISE4KE Consortium brings together expertise from international institutions to support its goals. These include:
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- University of Bremen: Renowned for its focus on research and digital transformation in education, the University of Bremen contributes advanced technological solutions and global perspectives.
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- San-Jose Maristak: This institution specializes in vocational education and training, offering valuable input on creating effective industry-aligned curricula.
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- Warnborough College Ireland: With its expertise in experiential and work-based learning, Warnborough College brings innovative ideas to enhance the quality of education and its practical application.
Together, these partners provide a solid foundation for the success of the DEVISE4KE initiative.
Impact on the Homa Bay Region
The DEVISE4KE Consortium is poised to create significant, lasting change in the rural Homa Bay region. Its initiatives will directly benefit teachers, students, and the local community by:
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- Improving Access to Quality Education: The integration of digital tools and green energy will modernize rural schools, making education more inclusive and engaging.
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- Empowering Educators: Teachers will receive enhanced training, equipping them to deliver impactful lessons and guide students toward success.
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- Fostering Economic Growth: By linking education to industry and promoting work-based learning, the project will prepare students for careers and entrepreneurship, driving local economic development.
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- Promoting Sustainability: Green energy initiatives will encourage schools and communities to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Deliverables
As part of the project deliverables, the team held a stakeholder meeting at Rongo University on January 9–10, 2024, to discuss the project work plan. The project also conducted a skills gap analysis and collected data on industry requirements in Homabay and Migori Counties to identify the competencies needed by local companies and organizations.
As part of the initiative, solar systems have been installed at Rongo University and three secondary schools—Kiabuya, Miramba, and Orlando Secondary Schools—in Homa Bay County. Experts from Marista Durango, Warnborough College, and the University of Bremen guided the installations.
Additionally, a training workshop was held on July 22, 2024, at Rongo University and each of the three partner schools from July 24–26, 2024. The workshop equipped stakeholders with the skills necessary to manage and maintain the solar systems.
The project team also participated in Erasmus Day, hosted by Warnborough College in Ireland on October 17–18, 2024, where they presented project progress. Furthermore, the team secured visas to attend the upcoming project meeting scheduled for February 14–24, 2025, in Bremen, Germany
