ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2023
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. 44,000+ student leaders from 3,300+ campuses across 170+ nations applied to join the Class of 2023. 260+ campuses worldwide (just 9%) in 38 countries were selected to host 4,000+ Millennium Fellows for the Class of 2023.
UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT CEASAR NGUNU, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW AND CAMPUS DIRECTOR FOR THE CLASS OF 2023.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | Nairobi, Kenya | Advancing SDG 4 & UNAI 5 | Emerging Technologist
Millennium Fellowship Project: IMPERIUM
Overview:
This project proposes the development and implementation of an innovative school management system aimed at revolutionizing student management in Kenya. Leveraging the success of a beta version already deployed in three boarding schools, the project, supported by the Millennium Fellowship, aims to enhance student engagement, academic performance, and overall administrative efficiency.
Objectives:
Enhance Student Engagement:
Implement surveys and feedback mechanisms to assess current student engagement levels. The goal is to achieve a 20% increase by fostering interactive learning experiences.
Improve Academic Performance:
Set a target to improve academic performance by 10%, measured through exam scores. The system will utilize machine learning to provide personalized recommendations for each student.
Streamline Administrative Tasks:
Evaluate current administrative workloads, including attendance tracking and grading. Aim to reduce this workload by 25% through the implementation of an optimized school management system.
Boost Teacher Satisfaction:
Conduct surveys to gauge teacher satisfaction with the existing management system. Strive for a 15% increase in satisfaction by providing user-friendly interfaces and tools that enhance teaching efficiency.
Context and Rationale:
The Kenyan education system faces challenges stemming from outdated management systems, hindering effective teacher support and exacerbating inequalities. This project seeks to address these issues by creating an interactive learning experience that caters to individual student needs, utilizing machine learning for personalized support.
Alignment with UN SDGs:
This project aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By modernizing student management, the system contributes to quality education, reduces inequalities, and promotes innovation in education infrastructure.
Motivation:
Inspired by the realization of the lack of remote management interfaces during the pandemic, the project's initiator, a Mathematics and Computer Science student, aims to bridge the gaps in the Kenyan education system. Extensive stakeholder interviews and research inform the project, addressing inequalities and injustices faced by students.
Anticipated Impact:
Local newspapers, by the end of the Fellowship in December 2023, are expected to highlight the positive impact on Kenyan education. The project's alignment with UN SDGs, particularly Goals 4 and 16, will be emphasized, showcasing its role in promoting quality education and building peaceful, inclusive societies.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies:
To address potential challenges, the project incorporates virtual delivery, increased collaboration features, and goal setting tailored for virtual environments. Remote monitoring and accessibility measures ensure adaptability to different learning conditions, ensuring continued project progress.
This project aspires to be a catalyst for positive change in the Kenyan education system, fostering inclusive and innovative learning experiences for students and empowering educators to provide tailored support.
About the Millennium Fellow
Ceasar Ngunu, a final-year Mathematics and Computer Science student, is driven by an unwavering passion for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a vision to democratize education through technology, he aspires to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4. Ceasar's commitment to open-source communities and continuous learning underscores his dedication to creating positive change. As a Millennium Fellow, he aims to leverage his polymathic mindset and technological prowess to contribute meaningfully to a future characterized by accessible education, innovation, and sustainable development.