The school in Malava has received laptops from Huawei Technologies China, in partnership with the leadership of the Cooperative University of Kenya.
The donation, delivered by the Chancellor of the Cooperative University of Kenya, Dr Bernard William Chitunga, at Friends Chegulo Primary School in Butali Chegulo ward, was received with great joy by the learners and the community at large.
Speaking at the commissioning of the prototype digital class, which comprises 20 laptops, a large screen, and other digital devices, Dr Chitunga stated that it was a major milestone in improving learning for the young.
He said digital literacy was key in today’s world and that every learner must have hands-on experience with technology.
“This is a platform where community and schools within Butali-Chegulo Ward will work together towards enhancing digital literacy as one way of learning and earning a living,” he said.
Dr Chitunga said experience with computing was key for both the schools and the community, as they can learn virtually from faraway institutions.
He said the donation will enable both learners from Chegulo Primary and Secondary, plus learners from adjacent schools, to access computing technology and have foreign languages, including Chinese Mandarin, introduced to them virtually.
The Chancellor also hinted that Senior School learners will be able to pursue accelerated learning on new frontiers such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He further revealed that the gesture will be extended to other wards within Malava to empower the young learners digitally.
He added that, as the Chancellor of the Cooperative University of Kenya, one of their core mandates was to grow communities where they would recruit members of Saccos to enrol in distance virtual learning that would enable them to earn certificates and diplomas upon completion.
Dr Chitunga said they were planning to partner with internet service providers to connect the area, within a 1-kilometre radius, so that young people can access the internet.
“This is a community initiative where the partnership between Huawei technologies and the Cooperative University of Kenya aim to empower and mentor communities through equipping schools digitally was being realised, and the Ksh. 1.6 million project will go a long way in connecting the community to the outside World”.
The Kakamega Town MCA, Victoria Zillah, lauded the initiative noting that digital literacy has rendered the world a global village.
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She agreed that the project would push the younger generation to embrace technology as a necessity.
“Digital literacy is now the current game changer globally in the education sector, and we thank Huawei for their continued support in Lurambi and now Malava,” she said.
She called on the National Government to extend its fibre-optic connectivity to schools in Malava to enable young people to engage in exchange programmes, learn online, and pursue job opportunities.
The Butali-Chegulo Ward MCA, Kevin Mahelo, called on more partners to come on board and connect schools within the ward, noting that there were 30 primary, 10 secondary, and polytechnic schools in his area.
At the same time, he called on the ICT Cabinet secretary, William Kabogo, to roll out free Wi-Fi in learning institutions, as digital literacy was among the top programs on President William Ruto’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with free Wi-Fi for schools and markets prioritised.
He advised the learners to take up the challenge and enrol in the foreign languages offered, including Chinese, French, and German.
The Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE), Rose Chisumi, expressed the need for more partners to come on board to connect more schools within the sub-county.
By Wakhungu Andanje
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