Build Computer Labs for Students in Tanzania

Basic computer skills are essential to the long-term success Kisa Scholars. Those who go on to tertiary study (university) will be required to submit their work electronically. Many Kisa topics, such as communication skills and building a portfolio, also require the use of a computer. As future leaders, it is essential that Kisa Scholars leave the program knowing how to use a computer and with basic knowledge of the Internet and social media. Kisa IT classes are taught by trained Kisa Mentors; the computer lab is also made available to the school for general IT classes so that the entire school community benefits.

The Kisa Curriculum, which focuses of leadership and life-skills, includes several lessons related to computers and the Internet. In Year 1, Kisa Scholars learn basic computer skills and are introduced to using the Internet as a research tool. For many it will be the first time they use a computer. Scholars also learn about the various social media platforms and how to use them effectively and safely. These will become important networking mediums for some Scholars. At the end of Year 2, Scholars learn how to write formal letters and are assisted to prepare a CV.

It is only with the support of generous donors like you that AfricAid are able to install computer labs in Kisa Partner Schools and ensure that Kisa Scholars are prepared to become leaders and role models in their communities. For Kisa Mentors, seeing the young women they teach become empowered to create brighter futures for themselves is an amazing experience. We at AfricAid are all extremely grateful to you for making this possible.

As demand for AfricAid’s Kisa Project grows, we are gradually expanding the program to new Partner Schools. AfricAid recently signed MOUs with four schools in Kilimanjaro Region – Ashira Girls, Mwika, Mawenzi and Zakaria Secondary Schools – bringing our number of Partner Schools in the Region to eight and our total number of Partner Schools to 17. Kilimanjaro Region is known as an educational hub in Tanzania and girls from all over the country move there to study. We expect to continue to expand our reach in the Region over the coming years.

One of the important undertakings given by AfricAid in each MOU is the provision of a computer lab, normally consisting of ten desktop PCs, which will be accessible to the entire school body. This is a significant contribution seeing that most schools in Tanzania don’t have functioning computer labs for students. This leaves students at a distinct disadvantage, and, from the perspective of Kisa, also means that AfricAid Kisa Mentors are unable to teach several units of the Kisa Curriculum. AfricAid also agrees to maintain the labs it installs.

We are currently in the process of sourcing PCs for those schools that can provide a secure room and an electricity supply. And we’re very fortunate to again be receiving support from Computers4Africa, who supply very reasonably priced second-hand PCs. These machines are donated by people in industrialized countries and refurbished by C4A before being shipped to Africa.

At this time, we’re extremely grateful to all our Global Giving donors for your support. It is enabling us to provide each of our Partner Schools with a functioning lab that benefits hundreds of students. Your donation really does make a huge difference in the lives of secondary school students, many of whom will be using a computer for the first time. We hope to bring you photos of the new labs in our next report.

Links:

• Our Work Was Recently Featured on Huffington Post