Solar-Powered Computer Lab in Shipping Container for Kenyan Learners

17 min readSep 4, 2023

Whether we’re fighting climate change or going to space, everything is moved forward by computers, and we don’t have enough people who can code. Teaching young people to code early on can help build skills and confidence and energize the classroom with learning-by-doing opportunities. I learned how to fly a hot air balloon when I was 30,000 feet up and my life was in the balance: you can learn skills at any age but why wait when we can teach everyone to code now!
Richard Branson Founder,Virgin Group

According to Fobes,two fields that are rapidly evolving, advancing and holding infinite promise for the future of humanity are robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). From the simplest of tasks to the most complex and demanding in our everyday lives, advances in robotics and AI have made it possible to create machines that can perform tasks with incredible speed and accuracy.

AI and robotics are rapidly growing fields, and they are having a major impact on our world. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking applications of AI in the years to come.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in education today and innovate teaching and learning practices and accelerate progress towards Quality Education (SDG 4).

Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize computer science education. By automating tasks that are currently time-consuming and labor-intensive, AI can free up teachers and educators to focus on more important aspects of teaching, such as providing individualized instruction and supporting student learning. AI can also help to make computer science education more engaging and accessible to students of all backgrounds.

Solar-Powered Computer Lab in Shipping Container for Kenyan Learners : Photo credit:Robotics Society of Kenya / Fred Sagwe

The Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is committed to promoting STEM education in the country, and we believe that access to technology is a crucial component of this effort. Our aim is to provide students in underprivileged areas with access to modern technology that can help improve their learning outcomes.

To enable students to access modern technology such as computers, robots, and artificial intelligence (AI), the subject matter and proposal to construct the solar-powered ICT lab.This move shall not only provide cost savings on electricity and power, but it also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, the objectives of the project are in line with Goal 7, which aims to promote clean energy, and Goal 13, which advocates for combating change.

A project proposal to make computing accessible to school learners in Kenya, where most schools have no computers at all and may lack electricity. With the aim of creating a facility that can be reproduced all over Kenya, and powered by solar energy where main electricity isn’t available.

We aim to build a low-cost, energy efficient Raspberry Pi Computer ICT Lab for at least every school in Kenya. The most important feature of the design is scalability, meaning anyone can build the same computer lab for the same cost, using a standard model. Solar power is a sustainable energy solution for the schools, and helps give Kenyan children a brighter future by bringing computers to rural schools.

The Raspberry Pi computer is a highly adaptable and affordable device that can be purchased for around $35 USD (Ksh.3, 500), making it an excellent choice for a variety of educational applications. The proposed computer lab is set to be utilized for teaching students a range of STEM-related subjects, such as coding,programming,robotics,Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and chess.Additionally,the computer lab will also serve as a venue for the school’s robotic club.

Image source: Raspberry Pi

Pico is also an easy to use microcontroller ,and packs impressive power, and is available for as little as $4 USD (Ksh.600) — opening a whole new world of computing possibilities. Over a million orders were placed in the first month alone and it has since become the go-to controller for many hobbyists.

Image source: Raspberry Pi

“Made in Kenya” Raspberry Pi Picos Now Available at Resellers Across Africa

According to Gearbox Europlacer,Raspberry Pi’s “Made in Kenya” Raspberry Pi Pico boards are now available at Raspberry Pi approved resellers in Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya. This marks a significant milestone for Africa’s capacity in electronics manufacturing.

The achievement unlocks tremendous growth opportunities for the continent, empowering local innovation and technology development. By producing Raspberry Pi Pico boards in Nairobi, Kenya, Raspberry Pi is fostering the growth of the electronic hardware industry in Africa, bringing affordable and accessible technology to the hands of individuals and communities.

“We are delighted to announce that our ‘Made in Kenya’ Raspberry Pi Pico boards are now available in Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya,” said Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi. “This is a significant milestone for Africa’s electronics manufacturing, and we are proud to be playing a role in its development. We believe that this achievement will unlock tremendous growth opportunities for the continent, empowering local innovation and technology development.”

The Raspberry Pi Pico is a low-cost, microcontroller board that is ideal for a wide range of applications, including education, prototyping, and product development. The boards are manufactured by Gearbox Europlacer in Nairobi, Kenya, using locally sourced components.

The proposed computer lab will be constructed using a shipping container, which will be modified to include solar panels, air conditioning, and a backup generator to ensure that lab is fully operational even during power outages.

This project has the potential to be replicated in all schools in Kenya. The use of shipping containers is a sustainable and cost-effective way to build computer labs. The solar panels will provide clean energy, and the air conditioning will make the lab comfortable for students to use. The backup generator will ensure that the lab can continue to operate even during power outages.

This project supports the United Nations Global Goals by providing access to education and technology for all students. It also supports the goal of sustainable development by using sustainable materials and energy sources.

Benefits of Using Shipping Containers

Sustainable: Shipping containers are made from recycled materials, which makes them a sustainable choice for construction.
Cost-effective: Shipping containers are relatively inexpensive to purchase and modify.
Durable: Shipping containers are made to withstand the rigors of international shipping, so they are built to last.
Portable: Shipping containers can be easily transported and assembled, making them a good choice for projects that require a temporary or mobile facility.

The proposed computer lab is a sustainable and cost-effective way to provide access to education and technology for all students in Kenya.The use of shipping containers supports the United Nations Global Goals by promoting sustainable development and education for all.

The RSK,started a mobile and online fundraising M Changa to actuarise on the project.

Project to Build The First Raspberry Pi Chess Playing Robot In Kenya:

According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation Computers and chess have been a potent combination ever since the appearance of the first chess-playing computers in the 1970S.

Humans have been playing chess for over 1,400 years. Chess is among the most popular games with cultural and intellectual significance that few other activities can match. Undoubtedly the game involves an intense intellectual challenge to elevate the health of your mind. However, we count chess among the games associated with intelligence and brain sharpening, and improve problem-solving skills.

Chess is still one of the most basic and exciting smartphone games. The game does not require a high-end smartphone because it can run on almost any smartphone without taking up too much space.

The RSK,started a mobile and online fundraising M Changa to actuarise on the project.

Raspberry Turk Chess Playing Robot

The Raspberry Turk is a robot that can play chess.It is completely open source.The project is written almost entirely in Python ,runs on a Raspberry Pi,and incorporates aspects of computer vision,data science, machine learning,robotics,3D printing,and of course chess.

The robot uses Raspberry Pi model 3 to drive the Raspberry Turk, while Raspberry Pi Camera Module handles computer vision.

Project Goal: To build the first Raspberry Pi chess playing robot in Kenya.
Project Objectives:
To demonstrate the capabilities of Raspberry Pi and other open source technologies.
To promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya.
To inspire and motivate students and young people to pursue careers in STEM.
Project Activities:
Design and build the robot.
Program the robot to play chess.
Test the robot and make improvements.
Demonstrate the robot to the public.
Project Timeline:
The project will be launched in January 2024.
The robot will be built and programmed in November/December 2024.
The robot will be tested and demonstrated inNovember/December 2024.
Project Impact:
The project is expected to have a significant impact on STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The project will:
Demonstrate the capabilities of Raspberry Pi and other open source technologies.
Promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya.
Inspire and motivate students and young people to pursue careers in STEM.

The Raspberry Turk Chess Playing Robot is a valuable initiative that will help to promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of students and young people, and it will help to create a more skilled and innovative workforce for the future.

The project is being led by the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK), which is a non-profit organization that promotes STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The RSK has started a mobile and online fundraising M Changa to actuarise on the project. If you are interested in supporting the project, you can donate through the RSK website or through the M Changa platform.

Raspberry Pi Jam in 2020

Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) organized a Kenyan-based Raspberry Pi Jam in 2020. The Jam was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of the Jam was “Robots Antenna” and participants learned how to use Raspberry Pi 3 microcontrollers and Scratch programming language to construct and build a robot that could mimic the operations of traffic lights.

Raspberry Pi Jam in 2020 Photo credit: Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK)

The Jam was a great success and it helped to promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya. It also inspired and motivated young people to pursue careers in STEM.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the Jam:

Raspberry Pi is a powerful tool that can be used to learn about STEM concepts and to build innovative projects.
Scratch is a visual programming language that makes it easy for kids to learn how to code.
Robots can be used to solve real-world problems.
STEM education is important for the future of Kenya.

The RSK is planning to organize more Raspberry Pi Jams in the future.

Code Club Kenya

In 2015–19, Code Club Kenya and the Robotics Society of Kenya volunteered with Kids Comp Camp and Raspberry Pi Foundation to establish an ICT Lab with Raspberry Pi model 2 computers at Kabuku Primary School, a small government school about two hours north of Nairobi. The lab was equipped with 10 Raspberry Pi computers, 10 monitors, and 10 keyboards and mice. The volunteers also taught the students how to use the computers and how to code in Scratch.

The volunteers also contributed to translating Scratch programming language to Swahili. Scratch is a visual programming language that is designed to be easy for kids to learn. The translation of Scratch into Swahili will make it more accessible to kids in Kenya who speak Swahili as their first language.

The volunteers also participated in the Scratch Africa Conference 2019. The conference was held in Nairobi and it brought together Scratch enthusiasts from all over Africa. The volunteers presented their work on the ICT Lab at Kabuku Primary School and they also participated in workshops and other activities.

The work of Code Club Kenya, the Robotics Society of Kenya, and Kids Comp Camp is helping to improve access to digital education in Kenya. They are providing kids with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age. They are also helping to promote STEM education in Kenya, which is essential for the country’s future development.

Project to Build LEGO Chessboard for Kids EDU Project-Kenya:

With the support from teachers, curriculum developers, and the education ministry demonstrates a recognition of the educational value and benefits that chess can offer to students. By prioritizing chess games in the curriculum, Kenyan students will have the opportunity to develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, and concentration.

The inclusion of chess in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), as highlighted by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) CEO Charles Ongondo, shows a commitment to providing a well-rounded education that nurtures various competencies and abilities in students.

This development signifies a positive step forward in incorporating chess as an educational tool in Kenya. By integrating chess into the curriculum, students will not only enjoy the game but also acquire valuable skills that can benefit them in various aspects of life.

The Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is projecting to avail the LEGO’ 40174 Iconic Chess Set LEGO Speed Build chessboard (https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/lego iconic-chess-set-40174 ),to promote creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving. Which are essential 21st Century and future of work soft skills.Through imparting chess education and research experiences.

The project is ongoing and the rationale is well captured in this Robotics Society of Kenya, Medium blog:

The project is being led by the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK).
The goal of the project is to promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in kids.
The project will use the LEGO’ 40174 Iconic Chess Set LEGO Speed Build chessboard.
The project will also provide chess education and research experiences for kids.
The project is currently ongoing and is being funded through a mobile and online fundraising campaign called Africa M Changa.
You can learn more about the project and donate to the fundraising campaign on the RSK Medium blog.

Photo credit: Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK)

Here are some of the benefits of the project:

Kids will learn how to build and use LEGOs, which can help them develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Kids will learn how to play chess, which can help them develop their critical thinking and strategic planning skills.
Kids will have the opportunity to participate in chess education and research experiences, which can help them develop their knowledge and understanding of chess.
The project will provide kids with a fun and engaging way to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts.
The project will help to promote STEM education in Kenya, which is essential for the country’s future development.

Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)

The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is a professional association whose mission is to “empower, engage and advocate for K-12 CS teachers worldwide.” It supports and encourages education in the field of computer science and related areas.

CSTA was founded in 2004 and has over 40,000 members in the United States and around the world. The association offers a variety of resources and services to its members, including:

Professional development opportunities, such as conferences, webinars, and online courses
Standards-aligned curriculum and assessments
Research and advocacy on behalf of computer science education
Networking opportunities with other computer science teachers

CSTA is a valuable resource for computer science teachers who are looking to improve their skills, stay up-to-date on the latest trends in computer science education, and advocate for computer science in their schools.

Here are some of the benefits of being a member of CSTA:

Access to professional development opportunities
Access to standards-aligned curriculum and assessments
Access to research and advocacy on behalf of computer science education
Access to networking opportunities with other computer science teacher
The ability to support the work of CSTA and help to ensure that all students have access to high-quality computer science education

If you are a computer science teacher, I encourage you to learn more about CSTA and consider joining the association. You can find more information on the CSTA website.

Image source: Microsoft

Microsoft Imagine

Microsoft Imagine Cup is an annual competition that challenges students from around the world to use technology to solve real-world problems. The competition is open to students of all ages and skill levels, and there are a variety of categories to choose from, including:

The Imagine Cup brings together student developers and aspiring entrepreneurs from all academic backgrounds to envision solutions for the future.

The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior is a global student competition for students ages 13–18. Through ICJ, educators utilize lessons to teach their students about AI technologies, students form teams, and apply these lessons to dream up a concept or idea to make a difference in their local community or world around them.

Imagine Cup Junior is an exciting opportunity for students aged 13–18 years old to learn about technology and how it can be used to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges, while participating in a global student challenge. It’s a great introduction to technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity, and is suitable for all levels, especially beginners.

AI for Good: This category challenges students to use artificial intelligence to solve social problems

Games: This category challenges students to create innovative and engaging games.

MakeCode: This category challenges students to use MakeCode, a visual coding platform, to create projects that can make a difference in the world.

Mixed Reality: This category challenges students to use mixed reality technology to create new and immersive experiences.

Minecraft: This category challenges students to use Minecraft, a popular video game, to create projects that can teach others about STEM topics.

The Imagine Cup is a great opportunity for students to learn new skills, to develop their creativity, and to make a difference in the world. Students who win the Imagine Cup receive cash prizes, scholarships, and the opportunity to work with Microsoft engineers.

The Imagine Cup is also a great way for students to network with other students who are passionate about technology. The competition hosts a variety of events, such as hackathons and workshops, where students can meet other students, learn from experts, and collaborate on projects.

If you are a student who is interested in technology, I encourage you to learn more about the Imagine Cup and to consider participating in the competition.

Introducing Experience AI

According to Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind. Experience AI is a new educational programme that offers cutting-edge KS3 (ages 11–14) resources on artificial intelligence and machine learning for teachers and their students.

Photo credit: https://experience-ai.org/

Developed in collaboration by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind, the programme supports teachers in the exciting and fast-moving area of AI, and gets young people passionate about the subject.

Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK)

Kenya is the first African country to introduce coding as a subject in both primary and secondary schools. The government announced this initiative in August 2022, and the coding curriculum was launched in September 2022.

The goal of this initiative is to redefine education through tech employment. Kenya plans to empower Gen Zers and future generations through tech-focused employment programs. By teaching coding at a young age, the government hopes to give students the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.

The coding curriculum is designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their background or prior experience. It is broken down into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner level focuses on the basics of coding, such as variables, loops, and functions. The intermediate level covers more complex concepts, such as object-oriented programming and data structures. The advanced level is for students who want to pursue a career in computer science.

The curriculum for public schools and syllabus, which was approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and created in partnership with Kodris Africa,is under the National Digital Master Plan for 2022–2032.

The Government of Kenya has placed emphasis and resources towards the support and promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses in all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Image source: Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK)

Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is a non-profit organization that supports, advocates, and promotes makerspace, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), STEAM,chess,research and Internet of Things (IoT) activities and projects in our schools and institutions. We believe that these technologies are essential for preparing our students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Work.

One of the ways that we can achieve this goal is by establishing robotics clubs in our schools. These clubs would provide students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, AI, and other STEM subjects in a fun and engaging way. They would also be able to work on real-world projects that would help them to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

We believe that the Raspberry Pi Pico is the perfect platform for establishing robotics clubs in our schools. It is a low-cost, high-performance microcontroller that is easy to use and program. It is also manufactured in Kenya by Gearbox Europlacer, which means that it is readily available and affordable for our schools.

The Society’s plan to communicate and collaborate with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to establish robotics clubs in schools is also a great idea. Robotics is a fun and engaging way to learn about STEM subjects, and it can help to inspire students to pursue careers in these fields.

The Society’s goal of introducing AI and robotics learning to school-going children early in their learning life is also commendable. The earlier children are exposed to these subjects, the more likely they are to be interested in them and to develop the skills they need to succeed in these fields.

Photo source: @fsagwe / Instagram

The Society’s work is important, as Kenya needs to prepare its workforce for the future of work, which is increasingly being shaped by technology. By promoting coding and computer science education, the Society is helping to ensure that Kenya has a skilled workforce that can compete in the global economy.

Note:

To help spread the good news about the Robotics Society of Kenya. You can join the Robotics Society of Kenya, subscribe to our Google Group, call us, and Email us respectively:

Follow us on Twitter, Medium blog, and Facebook. Subscribe to the Robotics Society of Kenya YouTube channel and visit our site.

Over to you

Thank you for reading. It has been great fun to dive into Advancing STEM Education in Kenya: The Robotics Society of Kenya Calls for the Establishment of Robotics Clubs in Schools and Institutions.

And hope you picked one or two tips from this post. I’d love to hear from you and learn from your experience and reflections in the comments section below.