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The age at which one is introduced to cartography and map making skills has been identified as a major factor in creating
interest and awareness in mapping, more so when incorporated in the education system. Additionally, participation of
children in various cartographic arts and maps competitions develops their cognitive knowledge and skills. Despite this
information, Kenya continues to lag behind in the incorporation of qualified cartographic products into the education
curriculum. The objective of this project therefore was to sensitize the various education stakeholders in the country on
the need to develop childrens’ cognitive skills and abilities at an early stage in their life. The project, which is at its initial
stage, formulated under a book club called “ThinkWords” mainly targets primary school children (4-10 years) and is
currently working with one of the schools based in Nyeri County, Kenya as a pilot project. The children are engaged in
various activities which include maps and their uses. Currently the “ThinkWords” club has a membership of 50, which
is inclusive of children and their teachers. The ultimate goal of the project is to convince the relevant education
stakeholders in the country on the importance of introducing cartography in schools, by sharing the children’s work with
the relevant government authorities and stakeholders on need of children themed maps in terms of symbology. The project
is then envisioned to be rolled out to other parts of the country and eventually lead to the inclusion of cartographic training
skills into the education system. |
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