By Baraka John
Secondary school students in Yambio are transforming classroom science lessons into real business opportunities through liquid soap production, helping them support their education and build a brighter future.
Students at Nile Progressive Secondary School say the initiative has changed their lives by equipping them with practical vocational skills that generate income while they continue with their studies.
The project was introduced through the chemistry laboratory established by STEM-Power, where students receive hands-on practical science training rather than relying solely on theoretical classroom learning.
At the laboratory, students gather after classes to learn the step-by-step process of producing liquid soap, including measuring chemicals, mixing ingredients, packaging, and maintaining quality standards.
The students later sell the soap in markets, homes, and residential areas around Yambio to earn income for scholastic materials such as books, uniforms, pens, and even school fees.
For many families facing economic hardship, the initiative has become a source of hope and relief.
James John the Best, a Senior Four science student at the school, said the training has helped him become more independent.
“Before joining the training, I depended entirely on my parents for school requirements, but now I make and sell liquid soap to raise money for my school fees,” he explained.
“I am glad for this initiative by STEM-Power to educate youth on how to process liquid soap, which can generate income for them. This initiative is playing a great role in my life,” James added.
Another student, Vicky Martin, said the project has changed her understanding of education and self-reliance.
“Now I have the knowledge to produce liquid soap. I make and sell it to pay my school fees and support myself. I thank STEM-Power for the skills they have given us,” she said.
The students say the training has also changed how they view science subjects. Instead of memorizing theories from textbooks, they now see chemistry as a practical tool for solving real-life problems and creating employment opportunities.
Gabriel Bingo, an instructor at the chemistry laboratory, said the training focuses on creativity and practical learning.
“We guide students through every stage of liquid soap production from measuring chemicals to mixing, processing, packaging, and ensuring quality,” Bingo explained.
He said the aim is to help students understand science practically while equipping them with skills that can help them survive economically in the future.
The initiative is also helping bridge the gap between classroom education and the realities many young people face after school. In an environment where unemployment and poverty continue to affect many households, skills-based education is increasingly being viewed as an important pathway toward economic resilience.
One of student displaying a 5-liter jerrican of liquid soap (Photo: Baraka John/King Media)
Justin Kirima, the focal person for STEM-Power Center in Yambio, said the organization introduced the training to encourage students to embrace practical science and entrepreneurship.
“Many students study science theoretically without understanding how it can be applied in daily life,” Kirima said. “Introducing vocational knowledge at an early stage encourages innovation, reduces dependency, and prepares young people to become self-reliant members of society”.
He emphasized that all training at the center is offered free of charge to ensure vulnerable and disadvantaged students also have access to the opportunity.
Beyond soap production, STEM-Power continues to provide technical and vocational training opportunities for youth in Yambio to support community development and economic growth.