Tharaka Invention Academy is rooted in excellence and is a beacon for global learners, offering courses that enrich not only Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics [STEAM] disciplines but also a wide range of careers through creativity, innovation, and advanced problem-solving techniques. Our online platform connects students from around the world, empowering them to think differently and invent solutions that impact their communities and beyond.

Take a Few Moments to Review “101 Careers Transformed by Invention Skills”

Prof. Singer is the founder and Director of Tharaka Invention Academy. He has, since 2020, taken a “Journey In the Heart of Africa” to fulfill a life mission of sharing with others what he has learned and studied for many years. He has been actively inventing and innovating since the 1970s. His love of teaching goes back to his early adulthood and that first position as a teacher assistant with Project Head Start for pre-school children. Later he served 2 years as teacher assistant and Multicultural Studies Director for Belle Haven Elementary School in Menlo Park, California. Prof. Singer has since accumulated 17 years of teaching engineering subjects at various U.S. colleges and engineering university, 3 years of art in Accra, Ghana, and 1 year of English in Daegu, South Korea. He worked 12 years professionally as a mechanical engineer and solar engineer in industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, and industrial equipment. He founded and for three years operated Aquarian Concepts, an engineering research and development firm in San Diego, California.

“My father had earlier learned and often told me throughout my childhood, “that even in the worst of times there will always be a market for excellence!”. He had grown to manhood during the Great Depression. The Great Depression was a global phenomenon, unlike previous economic downturns which generally were confined to a handful of nations or specific regions. Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America all suffered from the economic collapse.“

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Miriam Muthoni is Deputy Director of Tharaka Invention Academy. Born and raised in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. “I have a wealth of experience in administrative roles having served in various positions in different institutions and mostly in University sector like Kenya Methodist University and the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.

I am multi-task-oriented, focused to achieve my goals in every task that I undertake. I am a firm believer in social responsibility and service to the society, which was a motivation for my involvement in several institutions. I also possess good skills in personalized approach to clients, co-workers as well as delivering optimum results.

Over this period I have acquired specialized skills in management; and administration; institutional strengthening and capacity building. I am doing Master of Arts in Women, Leadership and Governance in Africa and I hold Bachelors of Arts in Counseling Psychology and a Minor degree in Development Studies from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.”

Launching Tharaka Invention Academy

Executive Summary

Tharaka Invention Academy (TIA) is embarking on a groundbreaking endeavor to launch and operate an online school aimed at nurturing the next generation of problem solvers, innovators, and inventors. Located at tharaka.inventionschool.tech, TIA is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience, particularly for young African descendants and professionals in industries that thrive on invention, innovation, and creative problem-solving. Below we outline the vision, mission, curriculum, and strategic plans of TIA, highlighting its commitment to empowerment, global participation, and cultural relevance.

Vision and Mission

Vision

TIA envisions a world where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to harness their creative potential and contribute to solving global challenges. By fostering inventive thinking and providing robust educational resources, TIA aims to empower a generation of innovators who can drive progress and positive change in their communities and beyond.

Mission

Our mission is to cultivate a mindset of creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving among global learners. Through a comprehensive curriculum designed to support careers like science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM), education, business, white and blue collar skillsets, TIA seeks to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become successful inventors and entrepreneurs.

Educational Philosophy

TIA’s educational philosophy is centered on the belief that innovation starts with a mindset and is nurtured through hands-on experience and practical application. Our approach combines theoretical knowledge with real-world practice, encouraging students to engage in collaborative projects, prototype development, and market analysis.

Key Principles

1. Empowerment Through Innovation: Empower students to view challenges as opportunities and develop solutions that make a difference.
2. Career Aspirations in STEAM Fields: Provide pathways and support for careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
3. Making a Difference in Communities: Encourage students to apply their skills to address local and global issues.
4. Global Participation and Recognition: Foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment with global reach.
5. Access to Quality Education and Resources: Ensure that students have access to top-tier educational materials and resources.
6. Entrepreneurship and Economic Independence: Promote entrepreneurial thinking and provide tools for economic self-sufficiency.
7. Bridging the Gender Gap: Encourage participation from underrepresented groups, particularly women in STEAM fields.
8. Cultural Relevance and Pride: Celebrate cultural heritage and integrate it into the learning experience.
9. Hands-On Experience and Practical Application: Prioritize experiential learning through projects and prototyping.
10. Networking and Community Building: Create a supportive network of learners and mentors.
11. Personal Development and Confidence Building: Focus on personal growth and self-confidence.
12. Environmental Sustainability and Responsibility: Emphasize the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
13. Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World: Prepare students for the dynamic nature of modern industries.
14. Inspiration and Aspiration: Inspire students through success stories and role models.

Curriculum Overview

TIA offers a robust curriculum designed to cover all aspects of inventive thinking and innovation. The courses are structured to provide a seamless learning experience, starting from foundational concepts to advanced application and commercialization.

Courses Offered

1. Introduction to Inventive Thinking: Cultivating Creative Mindsets
   • Focus: Developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
   • Activities: Brainstorming sessions, creativity exercises, and real-world problem identification.
2. Idea Generation Masterclass: Transforming Inspiration into Innovation
   • Focus: Techniques for generating and refining innovative ideas.
   • Activities: Mind mapping, analogy usage, and ideation challenges.
3. Visual Storytelling for Inventors: Bringing Ideas to Life
   • Focus: Communicating ideas effectively through visual media.
   • Activities: Sketching, digital rendering, infographic creation, and explainer videos.
4. From Idea to Market: The Inventor’s Guide to Success (Including Patent Searching)
   • Focus: Market research, prototype development, and intellectual property rights.
   • Activities: Market analysis, prototype creation, and patent searching.
5. Prototyping and Iterative Development: Turning Concepts into Reality
   • Focus: Building and refining prototypes through iterative processes.
   • Activities: Hands-on prototyping, testing, and improvement cycles.
6. Innovation through Collaboration: The Power of Diverse Teams
   • Focus: Collaborative problem-solving and team dynamics.
   • Activities: Group projects, communication exercises, and collaborative prototyping.
7. Designing for Impact: Human-Centered Inventions
   • Focus: Empathetic design thinking and user-centered solutions.
   • Activities: User research, empathy mapping, and user testing.
8. Fundamentals of Intellectual Property for Inventors
   • Focus: Understanding and navigating intellectual property rights.
   • Activities: Case studies, patent application exercises, and trademark exploration.
9. Innovative Marketing and Market Analysis for Inventors
   • Focus: Market analysis and innovative marketing strategies.
   • Activities: Consumer behavior studies, competitor analysis, and marketing plan development.
10. Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Acumen for Inventors
    • Focus: Cultivating entrepreneurial skills and business knowledge.
    • Activities: Business model creation, startup operations, and innovation culture exploration.

Strategic Implementation

Online Platform

TIA is partnering with a highly successful global e-learning platform. TIA’s online platform, accessible at tharaka.inventionschool.tech, is designed to provide a user-friendly and engaging learning experience. These platforms feature interactive modules, video tutorials, discussion forums, and project collaboration tools. Students can access course materials at their own pace, participate in live sessions, and connect with peers and mentors from around the world.

Partnerships and Collaborations

TIA is committed to establishing partnerships with educational institutions, course delivery platforms, industry leaders, and organizations that share our vision. These collaborations will enhance the learning experience by providing students with access to cutting-edge resources, expert insights, and real-world opportunities.

Marketing and Outreach

Our marketing strategy focuses on reaching a global audience through digital marketing, social media campaigns, and community engagement. We aim to attract students from diverse backgrounds and promote the value of inventive thinking and innovation in solving global challenges.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

TIA is dedicated to the Japanese concept of continuous improvement and excellence (Kaizen) in education. We will regularly evaluate our courses and programs through student feedback, performance metrics, and industry trends. This iterative approach ensures that our curriculum remains relevant and effective in preparing students for the future.

Conclusion

Tharaka Invention Academy is poised to make a significant impact on the world by empowering individuals to become creative problem solvers, innovators, and inventors. Through our comprehensive curriculum, inclusive philosophy, and strategic initiatives, we aim to foster a global community of learners who are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Join us at tharaka.inventionschool.tech and be a part of this transformative journey.