In August 2023, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ICGEB and the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) set the stage for collaborative efforts. Last week marked a significant milestone as the first virtual training workshop, spearheaded by the Cape Town Component, delved into the practical applications of the Foldscope for outreach activities.

ICGEB Cape Town’s donation of fifty Foldscopes to AICAD in Nairobi, Kenya, paved the way for a comprehensive two-day virtual workshop on outreach, held on February 8 – 9, 2024. The workshop, coordinated by ICGEB Cape Town, aimed to familiarize AICAD researchers with the Foldscope’s fundamental principles, assembly procedures, classroom and outdoor utilization, and its role as an educational resource tool. Starting with the Kenyan team, the plan is to extend this training to other AICAD country teams.

John Kinyuru, Deputy Executive Director & Head of Programmes at AICAD, expressed the significance of this partnership, stating, “Foldscope isn’t just a microscope; it’s a gateway to scientific exploration. Through the partnership between ICGEB and AICAD, this Foldscope training will unlock a future where young minds across Eastern Africa region become the architects of innovation and solutions to global challenges.”

The Foldscopes donated will serve as essential resources for AICAD’s Outreach Program, particularly in primary schools in Kenya, with a focus on innovative gardening initiatives. AICAD aims to expand this school outreach program to Tanzania and Uganda in the near future.

The collaboration between ICGEB and AICAD is grounded in a framework for cooperation in science, education, and technology. This partnership facilitates and strengthens collaboration in fields of mutual interest such as emerging technologies, biotechnology, and life sciences, benefiting the member countries they serve.