LifeLab programme manager Dr Kathryn Woods-Townsend was invited to attend the schools engagement programme hosted by the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya – a world renowned health research unit of excellence.
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but right from the introductions it was clear that this was a very unique group of people and that we were going to have an inspiring couple of days.
“Everyone was working in different countries and the majority of the work is happening in low-middle income countries, so not the same situation as the one we are in in UK. It was extremely eye opening to hear the stories from across Africa and Asia.
“The realities faced by schools and students and the amazing work which is being done to support education is truly inspirational. However, even though we had different experiences to share what came across right from the start were some key aspects which held true for us all – some of the challenges in engaging schools, teachers, parents and students, some of the administrative bureaucracy which hinders engagement with schools. Yet for us, all the core values were absolutely shared: that engagement with schools can have huge impact on the lives of young people.
“The examples which were shared of this impact were awesome. From HipHop Health in South Africa, to school leavers’ programmes in Kenya, anti-malaria drama and dance productions in Cambodia, school debates in which students passionately defended or opposed their chosen Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), science clubs, science newspapers, science magazines right through to I’m a Scientist, get me out of here, the breadth of innovative
interactive engagement activities was really something else.
“It won’t be possible to take back all the ideas, and I feel humbled by the work which is happening in really challenging environments, but I will take back this renewed commitment to sharing ideas across the globe, to building and sustaining a community of practitioners and researchers all committed to making a difference in young people’s lives.”
“Karibu Sana”