In preparation for Tier 2 piloting training at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) in August, the ENGAGE Project took a significant step forward yesterday with the delivery of computers to the University. This collaborative initiative is between the University of Nairobi’s Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), Data Analytics and Scientific Computing LAB (DASCLAB), and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Professor Julius Oyugi, ENGAGE Project Principal Investigator (PI) led the team handing over ceremonies that will take place across the six regional Universities collaborating with ENGAGE Project to train young women in data science across Kenya.
Led by MUST Vice Chancellor, Prof Romanus Odhiambo, the ENGAGE team was received with enthusiasm. The Vice-Chancellor expressed his gratitude for having MUST as one of the Universities across Kenya to pilot the Tier 2 training of young women next month and the Collaboration Research Agreement (CRA) signed with the University of Nairobi.
Professor Julius Oyugi, the principal investigator, outlined ENGAGE’s ambitious target to train over 885 girls and young women in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI), which is focused on public health. He emphasized impacting the lives of young women from underserved backgrounds to address challenges in their communities. “ENGAGE Project presents a unique opportunity within UNITID’s broader mission of capacity building and research. By teaching girls how to use data for decision-making, we are equipping them to become problem-solvers and innovators,” Professor Oyugi added.
The ENGAGE project has laid a solid foundation, including the development of a comprehensive curriculum, identifying and collaborating with six universities, content validation and integration, and rigorous training of trainers to ensure effective delivery of the content. As we continue delivering Computers across the regional Universities to facilitate the training of young women in August, the ENGAGE Project is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of young women and public health in their communities.