NawiriTech launches its Inaugural Sprint: Wangari Maathai Sprint
The fully-funded Wangari Maathai 2022 Sprint took place from November 28th to December 9th 2022. The curriculum was designed in consultation with experts in the social impact space such as Data.org, Equitech Futures and IDinsight. The Wangari Maathai Sprint had 10 fellows from Kenya and Nigeria with a 50-50 gender ratio who were eager and passionate to learn data skills to accelerate impact in the African continent. The target was university students, recent graduates and young professionals who were passionate about solving societal issues they deeply care about. We welcomed applications from various African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia. Applicants then took a programming test as this particular sprint focused on those who had some programming proficiency. The first session commenced on 28th November with Dr. Abhilash Mishra, Founder and Chief Science Officer at Equitech Futures, gracing the occasion to further emphasize the importance of young people coming together to solve society’s most pressing challenges.
The 2-week thematic sprint focused on Data Collection. For the programming and problem-solving module, fellows learnt web-scraping and data visualization using python and its libraries. For the Data Science for Social Impact module, fellows learnt survey design and regression analysis. The Sprint was lively with in-session discussions. The case studies particularly given to fellows fostered collaboration, good communication and critical thinking amongst them. The programming module involved fellows coming up with different sets of solutions and working on the problems live along with the facilitators. There were also videos and reading material provided to cement the understanding of key concepts as well as sessions with facilitators to clear any doubts in form of office hours and coffee chats. After the live discussion sessions, fellows were then given notebooks to continue working on different aspects discussed in class and present them in the next discussion session.
Fellows who successfully completed the 2-week sprint and graduated joined the NawiriTech alumni community where they receive career guidance, continue working on projects with the help of the NawiriTech team, get invited to interesting seminars and talks in the Data for Social Impact space as well as get exposed to an alumni base across the continent. At NawiriTech, we believe in continuous learning and sprints do not mean the end for our fellows. Here is what some of our alumni said after the sprint:
“The one thing that separates this program from others, is that we not only learnt programming, but also how these tools can be leveraged to communicate vital information and findings, and in so doing create a meaningful impact in our society. I loved that we were able to centre our discussions on crucial issues, such as education and health, which greatly impact the African continent. I am passionate about developing policies that will ensure that our cities possess safer, equitable and sustainable Transportation Networks. The lessons I learnt will go a long way in helping me to achieve this, especially once I undertake my graduate studies, where I intend to specialize in Transportation Engineering.”
-Doreen Kirui, Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kenya
“From the outset, the team at NawiriTech made it clear that this was not your typical workshop or training session - instead, it was a collaborative, supportive environment where we could all learn and grow together. The content of the data sprint was top-notch. They broke things down into manageable chunks and provided hands-on exercises to help us apply what we were learning in a practical setting. One of the things I appreciated most about the data sprint was the diversity of the group. It was great to be surrounded by people with different backgrounds and perspectives, a bonus for the experience. I highly recommend NawiriTech's data sprints for anyone looking to improve their skills in the field of data. The team is knowledgeable, passionate, and will always create a supportive and enjoyable environment for learning. You'll come away from the experience feeling inspired and energized ready to take on your next data project.”
-Lawrence Mboya, Mathematics and Computer Science, Multimedia University
“Data science for social impact has always been an interest of mine, and the two-week NawiriTech sprint came in handy. The sprint provided me with the necessary knowledge and requisite skills needed to launch a career in data science for social impact. I learned about data collection methods such as conducting surveys and web scraping, and I had the opportunity to work on existing case studies to have a thorough understanding of the life cycle of a social impact project. The sessions were delivered seamlessly and study materials given were effective for learning. I'd recommend this program for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in the society using data science.”
-Omotayo Waheed, Industrial Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure
“I enjoyed being part of the NawiriTech Data for Social Impact Sprint. I loved how well structured the program was and the fact that it was instructor-led. I got to be part of a community of fellows who are also passionate about solving social issues using data and I really enjoyed that. During the sprint I learnt how to apply data science tools to aid the social sector in making data driven decisions. I can’t wait to apply what I have learnt from the sprint especially in the healthcare field to ensure good health and well-being for all at all ages.”
-Catherine Ng’ang’a, Statistics, University of Nairobi
Applications for the next sprint will open on 17th January 2023. Read our next post for more information or click on the ‘Apply Now’ button.
