Bridging the Gap in CBE Implementation: Scratch Programming Workshop Empowering Teachers in Kisumu

As Kenya continues to roll out the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, teachers are increasingly expected to integrate digital literacy and technical studies into everyday teaching. One of the key areas introduced in the CBE is Scratch programming, a visual coding language that helps learners build problem-solving and creative thinking skills. However, despite its inclusion in the curriculum, many teachers, particularly in rural and underserved areas lack the training and support needed to implement it effectively. The shift toward a practical, learner-centered approach requires not just new content, but a transformation in how teachers teach. Unfortunately, structured capacity-building by relevant authorities has been limited, creating a disconnect between curriculum expectations and classroom realities.
Recognizing this gap, the Riley Orton Foundation (ROF), in collaboration with the African Maths Initiative (AMI), organized a Creative Coding with Scratch workshop for teachers on June 27th, 2025. The training was held in Kanyawegi, Kisumu County, and brought together 18 educators to strengthen their confidence and skills in digital instruction.
The workshop introduced teachers to Scratch programming and Edu-Scratch, an adaptation of Scratch that allows for basic robotics integration. Through guided exercises, participants learned how to move sprites and create interactive animations, design digital stories and classroom simulations, and connect Scratch to physical components to code simple robotic functions.
These exercises helped teachers understand how coding can support learning in different subjects including mathematics, science, language, and even social studies.
“About Scratch, I learnt how to make sprites move from one point to another, change the costume, and even how to incorporate Scratch in different learning areas,” shared one participant.
Another noted, “I have learnt how to instruct robots to work like human beings and how to use Scratch as a tool for active learning.”
An exciting takeaway from the training was the range of experience among the participants. Some teachers had prior exposure to coding and quickly grasped advanced concepts. These educators are now well-positioned to serve as Scratch coordinators in their schools, mentoring peers and spearheading the formation of Code Clubs with continued support from ROF and AMI. At the same time, teachers with no prior exposure expressed genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, showing strong potential to grow with mentorship and follow-up sessions. This reflects a larger truth: with the right tools and a little encouragement, every teacher can be a digital learning leader.
This workshop reaffirmed ROF and AMI’s shared vision, to make digital education more inclusive, practical, and engaging, especially for teachers and students in underserved communities. As the CBE continues to evolve, we believe real transformation will come from the ground up, when teachers are empowered to lead change in their classrooms.
We remain committed to expanding this model and creating more opportunities for rural teachers to learn, explore, and innovate.

By Elidah Ayiemba; Fundraising assisatant

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