This chapter spotlight from last year on the IEEE Photonics Kenyatta University Chapter showcases their collaboration with IEEE SIGHT and IEEE Women in Photonics to provide crucial educational resources and inspire underserved communities to envision a brighter future. By combining mentorship, STEM education, and community support, this initiative demonstrates the transformative power of education in unlocking new opportunities and empowering young women to shape their own paths. It underscores the lasting impact of such partnerships in creating sustainable change and fostering hope.
In the heart of Enashipai E Maa village, where African proverbs echo like whispers on the savannah breeze, an inspiring transformation is unfolding—one that mirrors the blossoming of the savannah itself. This transformation began with visits by IEEE Photonics Kenyatta University Chapter, and joint-Kenya Section student chapters, through mentorship and empowerment. The team’s destination was the Nang’inoi Rescue Centre for Girls, a refuge for young girls escaping the shadows of female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriages that socially plague their villages. Located in Kenya, this center provides a safe environment for over 320 girls who have been rescued from such dangerous situations. At the center, these girls receive protection, counseling, and education, allowing them the opportunity to heal and rebuild their lives. Fueled by a deep sense of purpose, the Student Chapter sought to open doors to a brighter future for these girls through STEM. Recognizing the transformative power of education, they set out to light the way for the village and the center by offering a comprehensive, multi-visit STEM mentorship program.
During their first visit, students from Kenyatta University held mentorship sessions, pairing primary school students with role models who were actively pursuing advanced education in engineering and photonics. The goal was clear: to ignite the belief that STEM could be a means of escape and self-empowerment, encouraging the children to see themselves succeeding in these fields. Their personal stories of our IEEE Student Members deeply resonated with the guardians of the center, teachers, and community leaders who monitored the programs, reinforcing the powerful benefits of educating girls and enabling them to pursue careers in science and technology. The visit was further supported by donations of encyclopedias, revision books, STEM exercise books, diffraction glasses, and pens—essential resources to emphasize the value of education in shaping brighter futures.
Upon visiting the Nang’inoi Rescue Centre, the team was profoundly moved by the resilience and strength of the girls there. These young girls had endured unimaginable hardships. Yet, their unwavering spirit, courage, and deep thirst for education left a lasting impression. Many of the girls had been married off as young as the age of seven. When they first arrived at Nang’inoi, they had no knowledge of English or Kiswahili, but with time, guidance, and immense determination, they began to grow the fundamentals for learning.


The challenges these girls faced are staggering. In the early stages of their time at the center, they lived with the constant fear that their families or husbands would come to reclaim them, forcing them back into their previous lives shaped by outdated traditions and limited futures. Despite this fear, they remained committed to their education. Even when food was scarce, and they went days without full meals, they continued attending school, often wearing tattered clothes, and walking barefoot. Their commitment was fueled by a simple but powerful belief: education would be their escape to a brighter future.
As one girl poignantly stated during the visit, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” These words embodied the hope and determination that these young girls carry with them every day. They are not just survivors—they are warriors, ready to fight for their futures with education and STEM as their tools. Their stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of learning and the incredible strength of those who refuse to be defined by their circumstances.
Over the course of the Student Chapters’ visits, its leadership team, supported by IEEE Photonics Society, IEEE Women in Photonics, and IEEE SIGHT seed funding, made a meaningful impact by donating essential supplies to help alleviate the girls’ daily challenges. These donations included food, clothing, stationery, cooking oil, solar lamps, and uniforms—practical items that removed some of the obstacles the girls faced in their education. By providing these resources, the team ensured that the girls had the necessary tools to continue their studies.
The words of IEEE President Prof. Saifur Rahman, shared at IEEE AFRICON, were conveyed to the students: “Don’t let your background hinder you from aiming big and working because you can make history.” These powerful words deeply resonated with the girls, motivating them to dream big and recognize that education could open doors to opportunities they had once thought unattainable. (The IEEE Photonics Society was honored to be a platinum sponsor of IEEE AFRICON in 2023 and looks forward to continuing its support into 2025.)


The gratitude and hope expressed by the girls were truly overwhelming. One girl shared that, even if the team had arrived empty-handed, the very act of showing up to mentor them would have been enough to make a lasting impact. This experience underscored a deeper lesson in the Student Chapter: the true gift of giving lies not in material items, but in the meaningful connections it fosters. The IEEE volunteers, through their presence and support, gave these girls more than just educational resources—they gave them hope, belief in themselves, and the courage to persevere.
The mentorship visits extended to the center’s secondary schools as well, ensuring that they too felt empowered and supported. The team divided into four groups to mentor the Form 1, 2, 3, and 4 students, focusing on providing strategies for excelling in subjects like mathematics and science principles. The volunteers illustrated how science, technology, and light (photonics) were keys to solving real-world problems. This not only sparked curiosity but also ignited interest in pursuing STEM careers among students who had previously never considered engineering as a path. To further support their journey, the team donated lined stationery, graphs, and revision books, ensuring the students had the necessary resources to continue their math studies.


Fun, interactive rainbow and marshmallow design challenges were preformed to emphasize the importance of teamwork and strategic thinking during the visit. Tasked with building the tallest tower using only a limited set of materials, students learned the value of collaboration, innovation, and resourcefulness. They also learned about the fundamentals of light and solar power. As they worked together, their creativity and problem-solving abilities shone through, demonstrating that even with constraints, they could come up with inventive solutions. This hands-on experience allowed students to hone essential skills—such as teamwork, creativity, and resourcefulness—that are vital in STEM fields.
The first mentorship day concluded with a powerful sense of empowerment. The transformation experienced was not merely academic—it was deeply personal. The confidence that radiated from the students’ smiles and volunteers alike, renewed each other’s sense of purpose. These young individuals, once limited by their circumstances, now understood that they held the power to shape their own futures. Their dreams are not bound by the challenges they have faced; they were free to envision a world filled with possibilities through science.

The Student Chapter, in partnership with the Nang’inoi Rescue Centre for Girls, aims to raise awareness and change perceptions around women’s education and empowerment. The center is enhancing its grassroots campaigns and collaborating with organizations like IEEE to achieve this goal. Educating girls equips them with knowledge of their rights and the confidence to assert them.
In addition, the Centre is introducing permaculture and sustainable agriculture practices in the Narok and Kajiado counties to teach women sustainable farming methods. This is crucial as frequent droughts are making traditional Maasai pastoralism increasingly unsustainable. These efforts will not only empower women but also ensure vital food and nutrition security. Through ongoing partnership, the Student Chapter contributes by teaching STEM knowledge and demonstrating the benefits of sustainable light solutions. As the backbone of the International Day of Light, integrating light solutions into agricultural practices can offer both a practical and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.


As mentorship visits ended for the year, the IEEE Photonics Kenyatta Student Branch team expressed sincere gratitude to all the stakeholders who made this initiative a reality. From the global IEEE Photonics Society and IEEE Kenya Section to the IEEE Photonics Society, MMU and TUK student branches, the dedicated volunteers, and the Nang’inoi Rescue Centre, every contribution played a pivotal role in bringing this transformative mentorship program to life.
Ultimately, the true power of education lies in its ability to turn mirrors into windows—helping individuals see beyond their present circumstances and envision a brighter future. This partnership led by the IEEE Photonics Kenyatta University Chapter demonstrates that with the right guidance, resources, and determination, no obstacle is too great, and no dream is out of reach. STEM can serve as a powerful catalyst.