The Company Series Problem-Solving and Awards Circuits

One of the most effective ways to achieve Afretec’s goal of empowering Africa’s technological future—transforming education, driving innovation, and building networks—is by bridging the gap between industry and academia. This focus was evident on October 13, 2023, when the University of Nairobi’s Directorate of University Advancement and Institutional Development hosted the Problem Solving and Awards Ceremony. This event, Led by Prof. Marc Zolver, marked the culmination of the first round of the Company Series Program, aiming to enhance students’ problem-solving skills and recognize their achievements through an awards ceremony.
Key participants were students from the Faculty of Engineering, faculty members, and industry professionals from the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Bureau Veritas (BV), and Olvea Kenya.
The day began with students being introduced to the Belbin Team Roles and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) tests. According to Prof. Marc’s remarks, this test is designed to enhance students’ understanding of teamwork dynamics by identifying individual strengths and preferences. The MBTI test was administered in a structured format, where students answered a series of questions that revealed their personality types. This exercise was necessary to equip students with insights into their own behavior and how they interact with others, fostering better collaboration and communication in future projects.
Following the MBTI tests, the day’s program transitioned to the spaghetti bridge construction exercise. Students were provided with uncooked spaghetti, glue, and thin wire to design and construct a bridge capable of supporting a specific weight or withstanding certain forces. This activity was primarily a teamwork exercise, where participants collaborated to brainstorm ideas, develop plans, and execute their bridge-building designs.
The exercise began with a five-minute planning phase, allowing teams to strategize and outline their designs. After planning, teams had 40 minutes to construct their bridges. Once completed, the bridges were tested by suspending weights to evaluate their strength and durability. Despite it being fun, this exercise was a catalyst for developing essential problem-solving skills. The competitive aspect added a sense of motivation and urgency, encouraging teams to strive for excellence.
Later, an Awards Ceremony was held to celebrate the students’ achievements and the invaluable contributions of their mentors. Students and mentors were given certificates, recognizing their dedication and hard work throughout the program. Additionally, mentors were honored with Thank You Wood Plaque Gifts, acknowledging their commitment to guiding and nurturing the next generation of engineers