In the heart of Mutonga, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Meru-Nairobi highway, lies Gicici Primary School-a modest institution laden with the marks of time.
Its wooden structures stand resilient against the elements, while weather-beaten stone walls tell tales of resilience and determination.
Inside the quaint classrooms, an extraordinary transformation is underway, filled with the laughter and chatter of eager children, captivated by the world of technology flickering before them on brand-new laptops.
The spark igniting this vibrant scene is none other than Ms Betty Mwende, a passionate scholar and advocate for digital literacy.
Supported by the MasterCard Foundation and a graduate of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), Mwende has made it her mission to bridge the digital divide that holds back many young people in her community.
Armed with her own experiences and the desire to empower others, she’s on a journey to change the narrative for her village youngsters, one computer lesson at a time.
“Watching these kids engage with computers for the very first time is nothing short of magical,” Mwende shares with glowing enthusiasm.
“For many in rural areas like ours, technology is a foreign concept. By teaching them digital literacy, we are not just bridging a gap; we are laying the groundwork for their futures.” She adds
An Initiative of Change
Launched by UN Women in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Siemens, AGCCI aims to equip young women across Africa, aged 17-25, with essential skills in coding and IT.
This initiative resonated deeply with Mwende, who embraced the program as an opportunity to foster change in her community.
Recognizing the potential of the younger generation, she decided to give back by providing hands-on training at Gicici Primary School.
Since kicking off on August 20, the program has brought interactive lessons that cover Microsoft Word, Excel, and a taste of coding with HTML. The program has also received support from other organizations such as Africans Read, Think and See (ARTS)
With the ten-day training still underway, Mwende is already envisioning future sessions that may include Scratch-a platform designed to teach coding in a fun, engaging way.
“We’re facing challenges with internet access. We’re actively seeking partnerships with telecommunications companies like Safaricom and Airtel to enhance our connectivity, which is crucial for our future training sessions,” Mwende explains, outlining the logistical hurdles.
Community Impact
Mwende’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Mrs Kaaria Lucy, headteacher of Gicici Primary, echoes her sentiments, emphasizing the significant impact of the AGCCI initiative.
“We are immensely grateful for the resources and opportunities provided to our students. The waves of change have rippled through our community, as parents and local educators see their children acquiring valuable tech skills,” Mrs Kaaria states.
The digital literacy program, according to Mrs. Kaaria, has not only transformed classroom engagement but also aligns seamlessly with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) that emphasizes active learning.
“The laptops have created dynamic, practical lessons. Our students are no longer just memorizing information; they’re actively participating in their education, which is so crucial for their development,” she adds with palpable warmth.
For the young learners at Gicici Primary, this initiative represents a life-changing opportunity.
Eleven-year-old Prince Munene, a fifth grader, beams, “I love learning about computers! For the first time, I can search for my favorite games and cartoons all by myself. It feels amazing to have these skills!”
Munene’s enthusiasm is infectious, and it captures the essence of what Mwende hopes to achieve.
Another student, Nessy Kendi, a sixth grader with ambitions of becoming a nurse, reflects on her newfound knowledge: “This digital literacy lesson has opened my eyes! I never interacted with computers or laptops before, and now I’m learning how to type and navigate technology. It’s going to have a massive impact on my future!”
The gleam in her eyes is a testament to the belief that these skills will help her achieve her dreams.
A Vision for the Future
Ms Queenie Meria, a Program Associate at UN Women, elaborates on the organization’s mission to empower women and girls throughout Africa.
“We aim to create a sustainable ecosystem where young women can envision and pursue careers in technology. Digital literacy is more than just using a computer; it’s about enabling young people, especially in resource-scarce communities, to navigate the digital world with confidence and critical thinking,” she states.
The AGCCI initiative aims to train at least 5,000 girls, addressing the gender imbalance in the tech sector and promoting women’s active participation in STEM fields.
Following its successful launch of the inaugural coding camp in Kenya in August 2023, the program underscores the need for gender inclusion by equipping young women with valuable technical skills.
“This is a significant effort to not only develop young women’s technical capabilities but also to usher in a more inclusive and equitable digital economy across Africa,” Meria articulates.
Mwende’s Journey
Betty Mwende’s journey is particularly inspiring. Once a student herself, she understands the challenges of limited access to technology.
“I didn’t touch a laptop until after high school,” she recalls. “I am committed to ensuring that these kids have a different experience from the start. They deserve every chance to thrive.”
Her unwavering commitment is clear as she envisages a future where learners can connect their newfound skills to vast career opportunities.
“I want to stay involved with them until they graduate. I dream of a day when I see them working for renowned tech companies like Google. With the right training and opportunities, they can achieve anything they set their minds to!” Mwende confides.
In her interactions with the students, Mwende finds immense joy in witnessing their curiosity blossom.
“One of the best moments was when kids began coding in HTML and CSS for the first time. Their enthusiasm was contagious!” Mwende exclaims, her voice filled with pride.
A Bright Future on the Horizon
With plans to expand the initiative come December, Mwende is keen on long-term commitments to the community.
“This isn’t just a short-term project for me; it’s about ensuring that these kids can continue to grow and succeed,” she declares resolutely.
Each successful keystroke echoes a broader desire- to equip these young learners not only with digital skills but also with the confidence required to navigate an increasingly technological world.
As the program unfolds, it becomes evident that Gicici Primary School is more than a humble educational institution-it’s a beacon of hope for the future.
The children are not just learners; they are tomorrow’s leaders, poised to turn dreams into reality. With newfound skills and confidence, they stand on the cusp of a future filled with endless possibilities.
Betty Mwende’s inspiring story, enriched by the robust support from AGCCI and UN Women, marks the dawn of a pivotal movement toward inclusivity in technology.
Through her dedication and belief in the potential of young minds, Mwende exemplifies the power of one individual to make a profound difference.
The children of Gicici Primary are not merely learning; they are poised to transform not only their lives but also their communities, heralding a new era of digital empowerment and opportunity.
