CEMA Launches Mentorship Programme to Advance Data Science Skills at Ndere Mixed School

The Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) at the University of Nairobi has taken another significant step in nurturing the next generation of data scientists by launching a 12-week mentorship programme for members of the Ndere Mixed School Data Club.

The mentorship programme, officially launched during a two-day visit by the CEMA team last week, builds on the success of the Data Club established at the school in 2025. While the club introduced students to computer literacy and foundational data skills, the new mentorship initiative is designed to deepen their knowledge through structured learning in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

During the launch, students showcased the remarkable progress they have made since joining the Data Club by presenting findings from the community-based research projects they have undertaken. The presentations demonstrated not only their growing technical skills but also their ability to identify and investigate real-life challenges affecting their communities. The event also featured an introductory mentorship session on creating and navigating a digital workspace, facilitated by George Kamundia.

Members of the CEMA team commended the students for the impressive strides they have made over the past year. What began as an initiative to introduce basic computer skills has evolved into a thriving platform where learners are using data to understand and propose solutions to real-world community challenges.

The Data Club currently has an enrolment of 30 students, with membership limited by the number of available computers. Since its inception, students have acquired foundational computer literacy skills, including operating computers, creating digital documents, managing data, and using spreadsheets for data entry and analysis. They have also progressed to conducting community-based research, analysing datasets, and presenting their findings using tables, charts, and graphs.

One of the highlights of the visit was the students' presentation on research projects focusing on malaria and nutrition within their community. Working in teams, the learners identified key health challenges, collected data from community members, analysed the information using Microsoft Excel, and presented evidence-based findings that reflected both critical thinking and practical application of their newly acquired skills.

"The club is not only teaching computer skills but also nurturing young researchers. It is exciting to see how these students are applying technology to address real-life challenges. I look forward to seeing them refine these skills further and venture into programming and coding, which are invaluable competencies for their future," said Nicole Mcelhoe, Ndere Young Data Club Team Lead.

The newly launched mentorship programme will run for 12 weeks and expose students to emerging fields in technology, including the fundamentals of Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. Through mentorship from CEMA professionals, learners will gain practical knowledge, strengthen their analytical skills, and interact with experts working at the forefront of health data research and analytics.

Teachers at Ndere Mixed School say the initiative has already transformed learning within the institution. According to Grace Owuor, one of the teachers supporting the programme, students have become more confident in using technology and are increasingly interested in research, innovation, and problem-solving.

To ensure the programme's sustainability and extend its impact beyond the Data Club, the school plans to introduce Computer Studies as a subject, providing all learners with an opportunity to acquire essential digital skills regardless of whether they are members of the club.

The mentorship programme marks another important milestone in CEMA's vision of building local capacity in data science by inspiring young people in underserved communities to embrace technology, research, and innovation. By investing in these learners today, CEMA is helping nurture a generation equipped with the skills needed to harness data for better decision-making and to address the health and development challenges of tomorrow.