Students in the Rift Valley are in danger of finishing secondary school with no immediate job options. The world around the valley has become increasingly digital, and students who have never seen a computer are at a major disadvantage when looking for employment outside of their villages.
Sitting in the middle of the floor of the Great Rift Valley, kilometers from any power source other than the sun, the computer center at Karima has facilitated teaching kids basic computing skills on 10 used laptop computers for over 5 years. It was so successful that we have been able to build 9 more centers.
Each center has 10 laptop computers, and all classes are taught by well-trained, Kenyan teachers. The 
students start out with keyboarding and quickly move on to working with the basic Microsoft Office products—Word, Excel, and Access. We have some students go from having never seen a computer to typing 70 wpm in about 9 months. The students are very motivated because this offers them hope of getting out of the grinding poverty around them.
At the center in Karima, the teacher offers an extra half an hour of practice from 7:30 until 8:00 am when classes start. There have been students waiting in line at 6:00 am in order to be one of the first 10 who get the extra practice.
Thank you for your active compassion. Very inspiring for young people wishing to help the underserved. I was wondering if you think there is a way free internet service could be provided to these schools as well. I’ve heard about an MIT professor’s novel effort to provide low cost durable laptops to children in developing nations. Do you think the same could be done with internet access? It seems that if this could be accomplished, children would have even more opportunities to overcome their plight or modernize their own communities. Thanks again for your generosity. Wishing you continued success. – elizabeth
By: Elizabeth on December 4, 2007
at 9:36 am
Same here – best wishes for your good work.
I have a similar question – I am working with high school students in NY to support two schools in South Africa. From what we understand about MIT’s “One Laptop Per Child” program, the distribution of the laptops is by the government. (For example, the South Africa government would designate which schools in their country receive these laptops).
The laptops are also intended for internet use (probably the reason for government selection).
Does anyone know how to find out internet capabilities in these rural areas?
The specific area we are supporting is the Kwa Zulu Natal region of South Africa. (east coast near Durban).
Thanks in advance -
Elaine
By: Elaine Maas on December 6, 2007
at 3:10 pm
Hi there
My name is Gerald Mwangi. I am an international student at Messiah College from Kenya graduating next may with a degree in Computer Engineering. I have great desire to be involved in this kinda of a thing and i would like to know how i would be involved in the process. My email is mwangijunior@gmail.com
Thank you in advance.
By: gerald mwangi on December 7, 2007
at 3:56 am
i am a kenyan and more so a student in kenya .my only problem is that i dont have a laptop and that denies me access to better research coz the method i use is very expensive,please give me a way of getting one laptop.thanks.looking forward to hear from you.casondaily@yahoo.com
By: john kariuki on June 29, 2008
at 2:09 pm
Good job ,keep up
Am 25 year old ,professional computer technician working for organization and individual as a freelancer in Nairobi.i hold higher diploma in A+,N+ and a cert. in windows 2003 server.
i Have working experience with systems as Micro Computers and personal computers and Operating systems as Novell Netware, Windows and Unix.
I would like to apply as a volunteer for your projects..I would highly appreciate if considered.
By: Raphael on August 5, 2008
at 1:49 pm
Good job ,keep up
Am 25 year old ,professional computer technician working for organization and individual as a freelancer in Nairobi.i hold higher diploma in A+,N+ and a cert. in windows 2003 server.
i Have working experience with systems as Micro Computers and personal computers and Operating systems as Novell Netware, Windows and Unix.
I would like to apply as a volunteer for your projects..I would highly appreciate if considered. my ad is kin_rapho@yahoo.co.uk thanks
By: Raphael on August 5, 2008
at 1:49 pm
Steve, this is the kind of work I admire. I have started an organization in Nairobi, which helps struggling entrepreneurs improve their businesses. Where do your graduates go after they finish your training? Perhaps they would be good Members for Uplift Business Alliance. I’d be happy to send you more info if you contact me. Cheers.
By: Patrice on October 10, 2008
at 7:10 am
Thanks for the good work keep it up.I did my secondary education in 2003 next year in january i want to start a program in computer(computer engineering)i need some advice on the best college .i have small income that enables me pay rent in kibera and a little for education.Thanks in advance
By: Antony okalo on November 9, 2008
at 11:04 am
Thank you for the good work you are doing.
At MaaiMahiu primary school the programme is now benefiting the new community of IDPs recently settled nearby. Most of the the pupils attending school from the camps are getting their first exposure on the computer in their lifetime.
Thank you soo much for giving us, the teachers, an opportunity to make a positive change to the lives of the most unfortunate in our society.
God bless you!
Sarah Njeri Kinyanjui
Computer Teacher
Maai Mahiu Primary School
By: Sarah Njeri on March 13, 2009
at 10:42 am
Hi Steve,
You’ve been on this for a long, long time…And we’re still in there with you. Keep up the good work – Hopefully open more centers.
Tom & Barbara Walton – May Day, ’09
By: Tom & Barbara Walton on May 2, 2009
at 1:16 am
cheeres for a good job you have been doing in kenya.just like to confirm to you that the kids all over the sponsored school are always happy of your support and they always thank God for you.
We too the computer teachers we are also very gratefull for the oppotunity you have given to us to change lives of the most fotunate kids in the remote societies and i always pray for God’s blessings upon you.
susan kasero
computer teacher kiambogo
By: kasero susan on June 1, 2009
at 7:51 am
Thanks for your Good job and God bless you.
By: kasero susan on June 1, 2009
at 7:55 am
I appreciate your sponsoring project at Kamuyu.pri sch and the community at large. It has really changed their lives. God bless you.
By: Harun mungai on July 12, 2009
at 2:06 pm
Thank you to have allowed God to use you as a vessel to change our community!God bless you!!
By: Harun Mungai on April 6, 2010
at 12:07 pm
Wewe ni Mtu wa nguvu. I have visited a number of your centres. I am impressed with your work steve. Keep up man!!!!!
By: Ndegwa on May 10, 2010
at 9:35 am