The Rotary Club of Nairobi-Langata (RCL) has been implementing computer labs in underserved public schools through its Digital Literacy Program for Schools (DLP). The scope of the project includes refurbishing and enhancing security in a preexisting structure (classroom), procuring computers, installing a management system, and learning content, training teachers, and providing technical support to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the global movement towards digitization however many young people in rural communities and in vulnerable, underserved areas of Africa were being left behind in the drive towards digitization, due to the high cost of internet access, the lack of consistent electricity supply and a lack of infrastructure that would support digital learning. As a result, students were growing up unprepared for the digital future that awaited them.
As a result, RCL conceptualized their flagship project and dubbed it Digital Literacy Program for Schools (DLP). The objective of this project was to improve access to digital literacy for the rural poor children and close the digital divide while providing them with skills to make them able to work, learn and compete in an increasingly digital world.
RCL's project addressed these gaps by equipping schools with computer labs, helping students prepare for a digital future while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work (SDG 8), and Industry Innovation (SDG 9).
The short-term goal was to provide digital literacy and access to 5,000 students and 100 teachers between 2022-2024 while the long-term goal is to help students become competitive in the global digital economy.
Realized Outcome & Impact of the Project
Since the launch of the initiative in the year 2022:
Seven (7) laboratories implemented across Kenya.
Thirty-Five (35) teachers trained as part of project implementation.
Sixty (60) teachers trained through peer tutoring by the teachers trained during the implementation stage.
Four Thousand Nine Hundred (4,900) Students provided with digital literacy and access to computers.
Students are now able to visualize geographical and biological phenomena they could only read about.
Average School Grade Performance has increased by a minimum of ten (10) points for the schools who have undergone the national examination cycle as well as internal school examinations since implementation.
RCL has seen improved student performance, increased teacher competency, and enhanced school administration through digital tools.
Sustainability
Every project involves community participation, leveraging alumni and parental support, and regular training to ensure the continued operation and maintenance of the labs. Continuous monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact, including academic performance and digital literacy gains.
The FUTURE of the Digital Literacy Program for Schools (DLP)
THIS Rotary year 2024/2025, we intend to implement ten (10) computer laboratories across the country at an average cost of USD 35,000 per laboratory.
In this way we intend to continue the work that was started in 2022 when we launched our first Computer Lab - To contribute to the reduction of acute ICT infrastructure and skills shortages currently facing public schools - enhancing the ability to compete in the global economy.
For us to replicate the gains we have seen so far, we are seeking financial support / partners for Global Grants OR Club to Club grants from Rotary Clubs who are enthusiastic about supporting projects in the area of focus of Basic Education & Literacy.
For more details on how you can support or partner with this impactful initiative, please visit our website www.rotarycluboflangata.org or contact our International Service Chair (Immaculate Mwake) or Grants Chair (Maureen Gichuhi) via the following email addresses: internationalservice@rotarycluboflangata.org, grants@rotarycluboflangata.org
Maureen Gichuhi
mgichuhi76@gmail.com
Rotary Club of Nairobi-Langata
Nairobi, Kenya (D9212)