St. Phillips Matieko Secondary School is a mixed day school serving the local villages in Kisii County, Kenya. The Headteacher, Mr. Otiso, is experienced and extremely eager to work with us to develop school infrastructure and empower his students. EPAfrica has just started a two year partnership here and has a 29 year record of improving East African schools. We have loved our first week in Matieko and look forward to the next 2 months' improvements!
The school has recently built a computer room and has been provided with 9 computers by the government. However, until this computer room has been properly equipped with relevant furniture, wiring and security students are unable to use or access this. Currently the teachers try their best and crowd their pupils round a single monitor to show them educational videos. The longer this continues the harder it is for students here to fairly compete with their urban peers.
By renovating the room we will put these computers to use and begin the development of digital literacy. This will enable the school to begin formally teaching ICT and providing its students with valuable qualifications. The government has promised to provide 11 more computers once the computer room is functioning. This will permit the school to provide a 21st century education for its pupils and will help show the worth of education to the community as a whole.
The East African region is currently transitioning towards the digital economy. We take for granted receiving basic ICT education but for rural pupils here gaining computer qualifications will allow them to access more secure work and support their families. It will also help close the development gap for the region as a whole. Students have spoken of their wish to build a more just world and do their country proud. Projects like this enable them to live out these dreams.
