Over 300 students at the Shikusa Borstal institution in Kakamega County will be able to access digital learning skills after Safaricom Foundation handed over 30 computers.
The internet-enabled computers are aimed at enhancing the students’ ICT literacy and research skills as they look to re-integrate into society. The KES 1 million investment is part of the Safaricom Foundation’s focus on technical and vocational education.
The computer lab that is fully equipped with 30 computers will help more than three hundred boys to access computer lessons and do research in their studies. The equipment was handed over by Peter Ndegwa on his first visit to Western Kenya as Safaricom CEO.
“The vocational skills these students have learned so far will add value to the communities where they come from. Adding computer literacy and digital skills is critical to their future if they are to reintegrate successfully into society. That is why Safaricom Foundation has equipped their ICT centre with 30 computers,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.
Besides the 30 desktop computers, the institution also received 30 student chairs, a printer, a lamination machine, and 15 UPSs.
“The computers will enable the learners to grow their computer literacy skills, study online in preparation for their examinations, and most importantly as they leave this institution, they are computer literate and they are able to be digital and be of use to the current world which is a digital world. “Frencline Okata, a trustee from Safaricom Foundation
Mr. Frencline Okata also noted that they would give internet connections and machine support for one year to ensure that students are able to use them at any particular time.
“I have no doubt this will go a long way horning of our youth on information and communication technology in this era where computer and information technology is becoming the new normal” the assistant commissioner of prisons acknowledged.
In March 2020, Safaricom Foundation launched a TVET program targeting food and beverage, electrical engineering, plumbing, and welding courses.
The Foundation also recently invested KES 1 million into technical training equipment in Shimo la Tewa Borstal Institution in Mombasa County.
