Christina starts our momentous computer literacy program with Safe Shimoni
Today
western culture seems to revolve around the convenience of modern technology.
When I left the US for Kenya I had in mind that computer technology would be a
far off idea. When I arrived 3 months ago I was surprised to see so many cell
phones, internet sticks and computers in the big cities. However, computers are
still spreading slowly out to the rural areas. Here in Shimoni, receipts are
written on carbon paper, cash is the only form of money and the internet is
only on a few mobile phones for Facebook and email. Local organizations are
making a strong effort to build capacity for computers so they can catch up
with the rest of the world and access the infinite resources that come with
computers. One organization that has been taking a giant step forward with this
is Safe Shimoni, a local health outreach group. This past week GVI began an
intensive computer education program with some of the group’s members. The
experience has been great! I am amazed everyday at the dedication of these
students. All of them walk from villages outside Shimoni everyday to learn
something that I got to learn from the comforts of home or public school.
Simple things like double clicking to open documents or typing one paragraph seems
so easy, but to them it is a whole new world being opened for them. The hope is
that we educate these members and they can actually become trainers themselves.
Each individual will receive a certificate from GVI for their completion of the
course, taking their knowledge to other members. Eventually as capacity builds
for these local groups, the education will be there for them to take off and
use technology to benefit their group and community. I am so excited to
continue working with these students and to see the good they will do as
computer users and trainers.
Christina
Kennedy – Community Field Staff
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| Christina and Kopa from Safe Shimoni tackle PowerPoint |
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