Morgantown Teacher Completed Kenyan Education Program

Eastwood Elementary teacher Allison Patrick shared STEM lessons during a two-week study abroad trip to Kenya.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Education — General

Morgantown Teacher Completed Kenyan Education Program

Allison Patrick, a third-grade teacher at Morgantown's Eastwood Elementary School, recently returned from a two-week study abroad program in Kenya. During her trip, she taught STEM-based agricultural engineering concepts to students across four local primary schools.

Why it matters

The program provided educators with a firsthand look at the connections between agriculture, natural resources, and community development. By integrating global themes into her classroom, Patrick aims to provide students with a broader perspective on international educational models.

The program lasted for 2 weeks and included visits to 4 primary schools in Kenya. The curriculum featured agricultural engineering lessons utilizing the book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind alongside visits to local trout and coffee farms.

The players

Allison Patrick

She is a third-grade teacher at Eastwood Elementary School in Morgantown.

West Virginia University Extension Service

This institution coordinates the Adult Learner Study Abroad program for professional development.

Egerton University

This Kenyan institution served as an educational partner for the international study program.

The details

Patrick participated in the West Virginia University Extension Service's Adult Learner Study Abroad program, which collaborated with Egerton University and 4K youth development programs. Beyond the classroom, she engaged in site visits to wildlife conservancies and agricultural operations to deepen her understanding of the region.

Allison Patrick completed the two-week study abroad program in September 2026.

Culture Shift

This program reflects a growing emphasis on globalized professional development for educators, moving away from isolated domestic training models. It signals a shift toward experiential learning where teachers act as bridge-builders between international agricultural practices and local primary school curricula.

Students at Eastwood Elementary will likely see the practical results of this trip through new STEM lessons inspired by Kenyan agricultural engineering. This provides a tangible link to international resource management for local children without requiring changes to their daily school routine.

The takeaway

Educators can effectively translate international field experiences into actionable STEM lessons that resonate with elementary-aged students. Bringing real-world global challenges into the classroom helps foster early critical thinking regarding resources and agriculture.