Empowering Teachers and Students Through Digital Learning in Kibera, Kenya

Successful completion of a pilot program, developed in partnership with Nairobits, to equip teachers and students in rural Kenya with essential computer skills

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Despite the rapid technological advancements in education, its practical application for teachers and their students in underserved areas of Kenya remain limited. Too many teachers lack sufficient formal training to utilize technology in their classes effectively.  Accessing IT infrastructure including reliable computers and the internet, is a constant challenge, as is the lack of organised technology training close to where they live.

To address this, we partnered with Nairobits, a non-profit organisation based in Kenya, and developed a pilot program specifically tailored for teachers and students. We named this the Teachers Computer Science Program (TCSP) and iKids Computer Science Program (iCSP) for youth aged 8-14. The training sessions were conducted in the computer lab at Kibera Secondary School in Nairobi which we helped establish in 2022.

The primary aim of the TCSP was to equip the teachers with essential computer skills needed to incorporate tech in their lessons, focusing on practical skills that can be immediately applied to teaching. Similarly, the iCSP was designed to provide the youth with foundational digital skills while also introducing them to concepts such as AI, coding, and creative design, making the subject more enjoyable to learn. With a total of 40 students, both programs ran for 12 weeks from February 2024.

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The training was highly successful with both groups advancing their skill levels significantly.

The teachers focused on mastering the five main software types ranging from Ms Word to Google Doc, which has increased their confidence and productivity when using digital resources.

One teacher shared,

“TCSP gave me the tools and confidence I needed to integrate more digital resources into my teaching. Before, I felt unsure about how to use technology effectively in my classroom, but now I see how it enhances student engagement and learning."

Similarly, the youth participants displayed strong interest in technology and coding by the end of the program.  One excited student asserted,

“I had so much fun learning to code! Before, I didnʼt know how computers worked or how to make things drawing on a screen. Now I can draw using a computer.”

The success of this pilot program demonstrates a need and a demand to refine and expand the program significantly, bringing its benefits to more individuals and helping in bridging the digital divide in all of Africa. We are confident that the digital skills participants acquired through this program will be a valuable support in their professional and academic endeavours.

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