In a vibrant celebration of curiosity, growth, and scientific promise, the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme’s Schools Engagement Programme (SEP), in partnership with the Stanford Scholars and the Science Mentorship Institute (USA), hosted an inspiring “Poster Party” for the School Leavers Attachment Scheme (SLAS) participants. The poster party offered attendees an opportunity to showcase their learning and experiences, as well as their hands-on exposure to scientific research, following the three-month attachment and mentorship program.
Guided by dedicated mentors, the participants had a unique opportunity to explore diverse research areas, identify key topics of interest, and develop projects that they showcased through well-crafted scientific posters. The event highlighted not only the depth of knowledge gained but also the transformative impact of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of scientists, marking the culmination of a transformative three-month journey.
The School Leavers’ Attachment Scheme, a key initiative of SEP, offers a unique three-month experience for outstanding students from Kilifi who have recently completed their secondary education. Through placements in laboratories, hospital wards, computer departments, and community outreach activities, these bright young minds gain hands-on experience in real-world research and health settings. The programme gives them a significant head start, setting them apart from most first-year university students.
Speaking during the event, Angela Kyalo, School Engagement Programme Lead, emphasized SEP’s commitment to mentoring young scientists. “What sets this programme apart is its unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation. The mentorship the attaches receive builds confidence, fuels curiosity, and helps young people see science not as something distant, but as something they can actively shape and be a part of,” said Angela.
This year’s SLAS cohort comprised twelve exceptional students who immersed themselves in the dynamic world of cutting-edge science. With the guidance of dedicated mentors, they tackled real-world challenges facing the world today, including malaria, mental health, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and the exciting intersection of artificial intelligence and health research. The participants shared their experiences on how transformative the program has been for them in the growth they have experienced and their sparked curiosity for science.
“I joined the SLAS program as a timid, low self-esteem, and curious boy. Getting the chance to explore research at KEMRI-Wellcome Trust from different perspectives through social scientists, bio scientists, field workers, and other staff has truly been a life-changing experience. Through learning skills like literature search and analysis under time pressure, I have learned how to manage it better and not shy away from challenges. These experiences have made me more confident in expressing my ideas and communicating my views clearly and eloquently, and deepened my passion for science, and I now look forward to venturing further into research,” said Promise Aman, a SLAS attaché.
These same sentiments were also echoed by Mustafa Abubakar, another SLAS attaché. “I’m sincerely grateful to the SEP team for taking me to the Insectary, where I got the chance to interact with entomologists like Martha and Festus. I learned the basics of how to catch, rear, and care for mosquitoes.”
Parents were delighted and highlighted the impact of the SLAS program on the students. Through this attachment, students have been supported in making informed choices about their futures. We’ve also been provided with a platform for networking between parents and students. KEMRI- Wellcome has played a key role in helping SLAS students develop skills, maturity, and responsibility. For example, my daughter joined with very limited computer skills, but she can now operate a computer confidently, troubleshoot issues, and install programs,” said the parents.
About SEP
The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Schools Engagement Programme (SEP) is dedicated to sparking a lasting interest in science by fostering meaningful interactions between researchers, students, and teachers. Developed with the support of the Kilifi County Education Office, SEP is part of a broader community engagement strategy aimed at encouraging students to pursue careers in science and related fields.
To learn more about SEP and SLAS, visit: https://sep.kemri-wellcome.org/