Rotary Club’s Digital Literacy Program Lights up Young Minds

By Janet Onyango
In a heartfelt celebration of progress and hope, the Rotary Club of Langata (RCL) recently unveiled the fourth installment of its Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) at Shisasari Primary School, Bukhungu, Kakamega County, western Kenya. With the realization that many Kenyan children lacked exposure to computers, RCL embarked on a mission to bridge the digital divide and prepare them for the challenges of the modern world.

The DLP, a collaboration between RCL and various partners, is converting disused spaces in under-served primary schools into fully-fledged digital learning centers. The aim is to integrate digital education into their curricula, enabling students to embrace the digital era with confidence and competence.

The project’s latest triumph came in July, as RCL handed over a state-of-the-art 25-computer lab to the students of Shisasari Primary School. The impact was immediate and profound, as 599 students eagerly embarked on their journey to acquire vital computer skills.

The joyous inauguration ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and former Lurambi Member of National Assembly Titus Khamala. The event became even more special as members of Shisasari school’s alumni association joined hands to support the cause that holds deep sentimental value for them.

The project was brought to fruition through the collaborative efforts of Rotary Clubs from around the globe. The Rotary Club of Suntec in Singapore and the Rotary Club of Brampton in Canada provided crucial grants for the initiative. The Rotary Club of Kakamega played a pivotal role as the implementing partner, overseeing construction and logistical matters on the ground.

The Kakamega members of Assembly, recognizing the significance of digital literacy, allocated Ksh 8 million ($56,279) to fund the construction of the lab. This kind of support from local representatives showcases the project’s impact and how it can be a catalyst for positive change within the community.

RCL’s commitment to empowering young minds with digital skills goes beyond the borders of Shisasari Primary School. Over the past year, they have successfully established similar digital learning labs in King’eero Primary School in Kiambu County, Kamburaini Primary School in Nyeri County, and Kibaoni Primary School in Kilifi County.

Looking to the future, RCL envisions setting up ten more digital literacy labs across Kenya. Their dedication to this mission knows no bounds as they actively seek partners who share their vision for a technologically advanced and inclusive nation.

Beyond equipping students with essential digital skills, the DLP has had a profound impact on the community. The revitalization of schools’ alumni associations has been an unexpected but heartening consequence of the project. These associations have now taken up the mantle of organizing and supporting the labs, recognizing the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of their community’s children.

Kizito Makatiani, a proud alumnus of Shisasari Primary School, embodies the spirit of this transformative project. As a Past President of the Rotary Club of Langata, he passionately believes that the digital learning labs represent much more than mere technology. They are beacons of hope, inspiring the community to unite and contribute to the betterment of their children’s future.

In a world that is often perceived as increasingly disconnected, the Rotary Club of Langata’s Digital Literacy Programme is a shining example of unity, compassion, and collective empowerment. By bridging the digital divide, this heartwarming initiative is empowering Kenya’s future, one child at a time, and showcasing the remarkable difference that can be achieved when hearts and minds come together for a shared cause.