- Role Models -
Since February 2014, 3 students from Aga Khan Academy Mombasa (AKAM); Fatema Hassanali, Pooja Hira and Saima Hasham have been teaching computer applications to a group of 12 children from Mombasa Children’s Home, located in Kizingo.
Mombasa Children’s Home is run by the Salvation Army and houses 64 children ranging from ages 3 to 17.
Fatema carried out a reading project with the children two years ago, at the Home library.
She noticed that they had a computer in the Library, but further inquiry revealed that it was not functional and the children did not have anyone to teach them.
Many of the children do not get exposure to IT in their schools either and in the present world; it is a disadvantage because it deprives them of access to information and connectivity.
The three Aga Khan Academy students decided to take up the mantle of developing computer literacy amongst children in the home.
Every Saturday, classes are held at the Aga Khan Academy Computer Lab for three hours. Within five weeks the children have managed to learn Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Internet browsing.
Shephan, one of the most dedicated students in the class says “I really appreciate what you are doing. Before, I never knew anything about computers, but now I know how to type on Microsoft Word and make presentations on PowerPoint”.
Since the older children have already been taught basic IT skills, the long term aim is for them to pass on the skills to their younger peers. Schools are however closing for the summer break and the students will be unable to continue working in the AKAM labs.
Thus, in order to make this project sustainable and achieve their long-term aim, the students need a minimum of four desktop computers for the Children’s Home to be able to continue teaching the children during the school holidays.
They are seeking support from corporate or individuals for donation of desktop computers for this worthy cause. Your donation will be highly appreciated and will go towards bettering the lives of the young members of the community who are totally dependent on such assistance to give them a chance in this harsh world.
source: coastweek.com