Graduates help new technology roll out across Kenya
Published 31 July 2012
Three media studies graduates along with their lecturer have garnered support from Kenya's Minister for information and communications technologies (ICT) for a unique university collaboration which aims to break down the digital divide between Kenya's towns and villages.
The project, IT Skills 4 Rural Kenya which sends refurbished computers from the UK to rural communities in Kenya and provides the community with global connectivity and access to information, has also expanded this year. Kibugat was the first village to receive ICT equipment but there are now 19 ICT centres with more to come 'online'.
The graduates including, Abigail Wyatt and Hollie Daley, along with their lecturer, Dr Peter Day, visited Ruiru where they worked with local people to make a documentary about the dangers faced by young people from the drugs and sex trades.
Graduates Abigail Wyatt and Hollie Daley
Back in Kibugat they trained young people from five tribes to make videos celebrating cultural diversity through digital story-telling. From there they met the Commissioner at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission in Nairobi to discuss a new community radio project, and they met the Assistant Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development.
In total the students trained 70 people in three villages in media production and video making. Dr Day said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for the students which they grabbed with both hands. They not only helped to train people but have also helped to shape the future of ICT in Kenya."
Hollie Daley, who now wants to go into community work, said: "The two weeks were very intense but we built up such good relationships that I want to go back and help more."
For further information and to donate to the project go to: www.justgiving.com/communitymedia4kenya.
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