The aim of the workshop at MMUST (Kenya) was to learn about the progress on the teaching material developed for a first module, GIS 1. We started with a recap of the project’s aim and goals. The introduction plus lively talks and discussions on GIS applications from various fields in which project participants are involved proved to be very useful to stimulate all: the UnivGisKoop core members, further MMUST staff as well as invited guests from other institutions. The so-called founding document was presented to remind on the plans for a streamlined and harmonized GIS teaching across MMUST and MAK. Next, the two Eastern African universities introduced their efforts regarding lecture notes, teaching slides and practical exercises for GIS 1. The use of the material was demonstrated in MMUST’s preliminary GIS lab. Feedback from the invited guests helped in getting confidence that the anticipated aims will be of benefit not only for the coming students but also for potential employers. However, it became clear that more discussions between the project members on the teaching materials for the first module were still needed and that it demands for much more, strengthened joint efforts to complete the materials. Thus, an adjusted time plan was elaborated as well as a detailed content list for the next module to work on, Geodata Use. Both modules are to be finalized before our next workshop, foreseen for August 2014 at MAK in Uganda.
For some of the UnivGisKoop members it was their first time to Kakamega or even Kenya. Here, the versatile activities running along-side the work sessions made the trip very enjoyable and even more of an experience. Really everyone joined in the Isukuti dance for Lisa’s birthday!