Tũnyamũ twĩ muoyo (TTM) is a science translation agency that works in African Languages to create engaging materials about cells, microbes, and microscopic life. By centering organisms we usually need a microscope to see, we open up conversations about health, biology, and the world around us in ways that resonate locally. Tũnyamũ twĩ muoyo can be literally translated to “little living organisms” in the Kikuyu language of Central Kenya.
We are active participants in science engagement, which is defined by the science engagement organization Falling Walls Engage as: “Activities, events, or interactions bridging the gap between science and society to generate mutual learning and benefits across the spectrum of public engagement and interactive science communication. Engagement is a two-way process aimed at shaping and co-creating scientific processes and promoting active community involvement in scientific knowledge production”. We believe that effective science engagment helps communities
We participate in science engagement by:
- Contributing to health dialogues by making weekly videos about science topics in our mother tongue of Kikuyu. We hope to expand to other African mother tongues as we grow our capacity
- Supporting scientists to develop confidence in their use of mother tongue to discuss scientific concepts
- Co-developing short lessons to support science engagement in your mother tongue of choice
- Advocating for the role of mother tongue science engagement to increase science literacy and love of science.
TTM 