1. Waza Experience
Preparing the next generation of
thoughtful techies in Kenya

2. The Need
Lack of emphasis on creative thinking
and problem solving in the traditional
Kenyan education system;
Inspired by the success of the LIWA
Trust Student Innovation Expo; Junior
Achievement Kenya;
Start early - target primary-level students

3. Aims:
Inspire Kenyan children to:
be more creative;
think critically;
improve their communication
skills.

4. Creativity

5. Problem-Solving/Critical
Thinking

6. Communication

7. Why ?
•
Leveraging on the community and the
expressed desire to engage outside of
Bishop Magua
•
Developing the next generation:
•
Thoughtful techies who can design
better products for users
•
Researchers who can think of the big
picture
•
All-around better engaged citizen!

8. The Waza Curriculum
Designed to take advantage of
children’s natural curiosity
Emphasis on local Kenyan innovations
using easily-available resources
Borrows heavily from Design Thinking
principles

9. The Waza Curriculum
Empathy/Discovery
Interpretation/Problem Identification
Ideation/Experimentation
Prototyping/Inventing
Testing/Collecting Feedback

10. Waza “Train the Trainers”
Curriculum
2 Day Mandatory Training
(April 27, May 4; 10 am – Noon)
Trainers will be immersed in:
Design Thinking
Creativity
Communication
Informal; made to think & facilitate

11. Pilot School: Amani Primary
Started volunteering at Amani Primary School in March
2011 as a way to engage with community around art;
The school administrators are fully supportive of new
curriculum under Waza.
Have completed “baseline” inquiry and first class of
empathy.
Aim to have 2-month pilot before re-assessing the
curriculum and continuing.

12. Future Vision
Open Source curriculum (specific to Kenya) for
use by any organization;
Adoption and adaption of the curriculum in
different schools around the country by local
community members and educational
institutions;
Annual Invention Convention event for students
to showcase their inventions;
Active alumni network of Waza Experience
graduates.

13. How Can You Join?
On-going volunteering with the Amani
Primary School pilot program
On-going development of Waza
Curriculum/Advisory

14. Who is a Waza Corpie?
Committed/Reliable (able to volunteer for
at least 2 consecutive Saturdays every other
month over a 6-month period)
Curious (interested in learning with the kids
as peers and not in simply dictating to them)
Open (flexible and willing to do what needs to
be done; easy-going)
Interest in: Education; Innovation; Design
Thinking; Kenya’s Future!

15. Who is a Waza
Advisor?
Knowledgable (extensive experience with the
Kenyan education system)
Passionate (cares about improving Kenyan
future generations)
Consistent (will respond to inquiries in a timely
manner)
Connected (can link Waza to relevant possible
partners and other advisors)

16. Who is a Waza All-Star
Member?
Ultra Committed (willing to dedicate
at least 5-15 hours a week)
Driven (passionate about Kenyan
youth and developing their skills)
Knowledgeable (design thinking;
creativity; innovation; education)

17. Thank you!
For more information, check out:
www.wazaexperience.org
ahsc25[at]gmail[dot]com

18. Mandatory Trainings:
Saturday, April 27th 10 am – Noon
Saturday, May 4 10 am – Noon
th