In the heart of Mutonga, just a stone 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 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.”
Launched by UN Women in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), 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 programme 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 programme has brought interactive lessons that cover Microsoft Word, Excel, and a taste of coding with HTML.
The programme 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.
Mwende’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Lucy Kaaria, head teacher 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,” Kaaria states.
The digital literacy programme, according to Kaaria, has not only transformed classroom engagement but also aligned 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 years old Prince Munene, a fifth grader, beams, “I love learning about computers! For the first time, I can search for my favourite 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 pupil, 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 to my life.”
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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 programme 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,” says Meria.
Mwende’s journey
Betty Mwende’s journey is particularly inspiring. Once a student herself, she understands the challenges of limited access to technology.
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.
By John Majau
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