Discover the Pan-African science series for kids and try to keep a straight face — we bet you can’t!
In today’s world, there is a pressing need for budding scientists and individuals who appreciate the wonders of science. With ongoing debates about masks, climate change denial, and questions about evolution, the significance of the scientific method has come under scrutiny. This highlights the importance of creating engaging science programs for children.
Introducing N*Gen
Enter N*Gen, pronounced “engine,” a dynamic program that breaks down science, technology, engineering, and math into fun 15-minute segments. Tailored for kids aged 8 to 12, the show explores scientific concepts through an African lens.
Reports from NPR indicate that N*Gen covers topics such as astronomy, chemistry, computer programming, robotics, and even video games, all in a format that captivates young viewers. The show’s focus on an African perspective sets it apart from other science programs previously available on the continent, impressing broadcasters with its unique approach.
Local Relevance
Co-founder of Akili Kids!, a children’s educational channel in Kenya, Liam Okello, remarked that while they had previously aired U.S. programs like SciGirls, which emphasizes STEM, these shows often didn’t resonate with local audiences. “While SciGirls is a fantastic program, it’s not filmed in our context,” he said. “For example, it featured a segment on shoes for walking safely on icy streets in Minnesota — not exactly relatable for a child in Kenya.” Okello added, “I loved a recent episode we aired called ‘Bones,’ which included a feature on Turkana Boy, whose remains are displayed at the Kenya National Museum.”
N*Gen, developed by a group of six educators at Clarke Junior School in Kampala, is funded and produced by the East African nonprofit Peripheral Vision International. “A science focus for N*Gen is crucial because it’s often overlooked and regarded as a challenging subject,” explained Dr. Kezia Muriuki. She emphasized the importance of showcasing African women in science, noting that while male educators do appear, the majority of guest experts are female. The team collaborates across Uganda, Nigeria, and Kenya to brainstorm new episodes.
Empowering Female Representation
Christine Wanjiru, principal of Nova Pioneer Schools, called N*Gen “revolutionary in its quality and the representation of African women presenters.” “I absolutely cherish the presence of female hosts,” Wanjiru stated. “When I watched the show, I noticed that many educational videos we use lack female presenters.”
One of the male-led segments, “Shake It Out with Tadhi,” encourages kids to get moving and stay active.
Success and Future Plans
Since its debut in October 2020, N*Gen has aired twice on weekends in Kenya, attracting an average of 658,000 viewers under 14 and 642,000 adults per episode. The cast and production team are currently working on a second season that will address climate change topics. They plan to continue filming even if the pandemic keeps children out of school.
The show has recently made its North American and Caribbean debut on The Africa Channel, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. ET.
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Summary
N*Gen is a groundbreaking African science show for kids that has recently started airing in the U.S., offering an engaging and relatable perspective on STEM subjects. It focuses on African culture and female representation in science, making it a unique addition to children’s programming.
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