What We Do
Transforming Africa through STEM Education and Innovation
More than 90% of the global countries with low human development are in sub-Saharan Africa. The communities in these countries are critically low in standards of education, health, and well-being despite being endowed with a wealth of natural resources. The lack of skills and innovation especially in science and technology as indicated by very low scores in the global innovation index has limited the ability of inhabitants to utilize the abundance of the resources to achieve sustainable development. We are thus less resilient to tragedies like wars, climate change, pandemics, and conflicts whose effects are becoming more adverse every other time. We want to change that.
The ASEI Model
At the African STEM Education Initiative, we envision STEM as a transformative mindset, not just a skill set. We firmly believe in the inherent potential of Africans to drive sustainable development when empowered. Our unique model provides training, mentorship, tools, and access to resources and innovative technologies, empowering young individuals and their communities to improve their education.
We prioritize communal-empowerment and adapt our programs to align with existing community structures. Our focus is on uplifting marginalized groups, including children, youth, girls, refugees, and the rural poor. With over 17,680 lives transformed to date, of which over 67% are females, we are not just sparking change – we are ensuring it lasts. We leverage digital technologies and disruptive innovation to create scalable and cost-effective solutions. Join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can shape a developed and sustainable Africa.
Where We Work
Our organization has its roots in Africa, with leadership and headquarters in Fort Portal, Uganda. We envision transformed communities and lives throughout sub-Saharan Africa and thus aim to gradually extend our operations across the region. Our expertise is in working within rural Africa, where we:
- Enhance STEM education and digital literacy among African youth through the provision of digital tools, technologies, and computer training.
- Develop and implement WASH improvement plans in schools to reduce water-borne diseases among students and teachers.
- Install point-of-use UVC systems in schools and community centers to improve access to clean drinking water.
- Increase access to clean energy solutions for lighting and cooking in rural households, facilitating children’s ability to study.
Who We Serve
We are dedicated to serving young girls and boys in African schools who strive diligently to pursue an education. Given that the majority of households across the continent face poverty, it is crucial that every dollar they sacrifice, including spending on their children’s education, is put to good use. We work tirelessly to empower schools, teachers, and students—particularly those in rural Africa—with improved tools, technologies, and skills to ensure that children receive a world-class STEM education, no matter their location.
Students
Teachers
Schools
Rural Poor
How We serve Them
Our Programs and Products
SinS
We create STEM bubbles in secondary schools within which we provide students with exposure to computer technologies and subsequently train them in basics of computer programming
Chanak
We are revolutionizing and making world class secondary school Science, Mathematics and Technology education a possibility for everyone, everywhere through this edtech application.
AquaLama
To combat significant class time missed by rural students due to water-borne illnesses, we developed AquaLama, an innovative solution aimed at improving health and attendance in schools.
ISEC
Students from rural off grid households lack an opportunity to study after sunset. Also, girls especially lose significant studying time while doing chores like cooking. Our ISEC program is tackling this
Collaborative Efforts for Transformation
We recognize that transforming ssAfrica into a region of holistic development in education, health, and economic wellbeing is a massive challenge that African STEM Education Initiative cannot tackle alone. That is why we are committed to collaborating and partnering with various stakeholders including governments, international NGOs, learning institutions and the private sector to design and implement initiatives that leverage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) education and innovation as catalyst for development in education, health, and economic well-being of ssAfrica.
Our model is tailored to fit the existing communal and cultural structures of the local contexts where we operate. We thus value the participation and input of local communities such as schools, health centers, refugee centers, religious centers, rural towns, and local governments. We believe that by working together, we can achieve our impact.