By Cynthia and Tamara, Nairobi
Our names are Cynthia and Tamara. We are ambitious and proud to be part of this programme. We both want to be architects in the near future and have interests in mathematics and physics.
At Loreto Convent Msongari—our school—we are taught that art does not only mean drawing and making, but involves creativity in various other fields as well. We have a passion for art because we get to express our feelings toward our society and the environment; it allows us to enhance our creativity and become more open minded.
Our art teacher, Miss Mugambi, introduced us to this programme. We both felt that we should join together with girls from different backgrounds and various parts of Kenya, and take part in the design thinking process. We may all have different ways of thinking, but each of us has seen the various environmental issues that face us: air pollution, poor waste management, frequent floods, poor drainage systems, water scarcity, and deforestation.
We believe that we can make a difference—not only in Kenya, but worldwide. Through brainstorming, sketching, and designing we will attempt to create sustainable innovations that will help our biodiversity and ecosystems. We have already begun working together and soon enough we will begin creating (Mr. Mwai, a Senior Education officer who teaches about the environment, called us ‘the Innovators’). This is an awesome opportunity that will enable us to apply what we learn in class to the real world. We are both looking forward to making a change in our world today. We believe the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.