Microsoft in Partnership with Education Ministry plants 500 seedlings at Mashuuru Boys

Kajiado,

Friday, September 8, 2023

KNA by Sammy Rayiani and Seline Nyangere

The Ministry of Education in partnership with Microsoft have commemorated the Africa Climate Summit week at Mashuuru Boys’ High school through planting of Olive seedlings and educating students on sustainable measures on environment.

Deputy Director of Ministry of Education Elizabeth Otieno revealed that climate change has become a critical agenda of the world and the ministry is committed to ensure Kenya will have a community that is well aware of how to conserve the environment.

“The Ministry of Education is committed to be part of the larger community that is working to change our environment. The issue of climate change and global warming are critical agendas of the world and Kenya being part of these nations, we are committed in making efforts to improve the environment,” said Otieno.

Mrs Otieno added that through education, Kenya is devoted to ensure that the environment is a safe for habitation and able to achieve the placed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She said the ministry was grateful to Microsoft for bringing technological solutions to students. 

“Education is one item that has been centrally placed to bring about the very many changes and achievement that Kenya has committed themselves to in terms of problem solving. I want to thank Microsoft for bringing up solutions to our learners to understand better development skills, competencies and knowledge of environmental issues, how they can be able to mitigate environmental effects within the environment as they grow up,” said Otieno.

The Principal of Mashuuru Boys’ High School Mr. Solomon Kisemei emphasised that in as much as the area was experiencing water shortage, they would ensure that the Olive trees planted by the students, Microsoft and Ministry of Education would be taken care of.

“We are very privileged to host this event. Environment is very close to our heart because we know how it has affected us and our livelihoods, we are glad to be part of this journey and we are willing to implement it to the latter. Despite the shortage of water, we will strive to ensure the 500 seedlings planted will survive,” said Kisemei.

Mashuuru boys’ high school were also taken through the use of Minecraft in Education. 

Kamaku Felix, a Microsoft Innovative Educator expert/Fellow and a teacher at Mashuuru Boys encouraged the government to embrace Minecraft application as it is a problem solver and eases learning.

“Minecraft is an amazing application that we are requesting the government to adopt. We have seen how it can be able to solve problems. We have practically seen how we can solve poaching through building electric fences virtually it is an amazing application,” said Felix.

Joe Gaiku, a learning solutions specialist at Microsoft revealed that Microsoft is keen on sustainability, making sure that climate and environment is stable enough for the next generation and use of technology for a safe environment.

“We were looking at how we can preserve our environment, how we can bring in education to enlighten students on what is happening in our environment, and also how we can bring in solar panels, alternative sources of electricity or energy in to our environment so that we can maintain a sustainable environment for the generations to come,” said Gaiku.

Courtesy; KNA