By Bob Aston
The Foundation handed over equipment worth five
hundred thousand shillings (Ksh 500,000).The items included 15 computers, 34
VIP seats, 34 power cables, projector, server and a printer.
Lariak School administration highlighted the
challenges that they had to face during the initial stages of the project. Lack
of infrastructure was mentioned as a major challenge. The school had to
overcome this challenge by converting one of the classes into a computer
laboratory. Lack of ICT skills, internet connectivity and resistance to change
by some parents is among the challenges the school currently faces.
Safaricom Foundation on September 10, 2013
was at Sipili to handover computers, accessories and furniture to Lariak
Primary School in Laikipia County. The event which brought together various
stakeholders in the education sector was graced by Safaricom Foundation
committee member Kenneth Kiprop.
Kenneth from Safaricom Foundation addressing the gathering |
The ceremony
started with a prayer session which was led by Mrs. Kariuki. Area Chief Paul
Nasky welcomed all the guests to Sipili.
Safaricom
Foundation provides a formal process for charitable contributions to
communities, community groups and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in
Kenya who are key partners in responding to social and economic development
issues in the country.
Speaking
during the event, Charity Kamau from Lariak Primary school said: “Members of
science department felt it was nice to have a computer laboratory. We started
with a panel which incorporated teachers, parents and the local community. We
then organized a fundraising and we managed to buy five computers.”
“We though a
computer lab would help to improve quality of learning and also human resource
development.” Charity added.
Pupils using the computers |
The school
Headmaster, Mr. Peter Kariuki, thanked the Foundation for the kind gesture. He
informed the guests that the computer lab has already had a significant impact
in the community as parents, teachers, pupils and neighboring schools are
currently using the computer lab.
“We
sincerely thank Safaricom Foundation for this development. This project is not
just for Lariak primary school but for the whole community. Neighbouring
schools are already bringing their pupils to the school to attend computer
classes.” said Peter.
Area
Education Officer (AEO) talked of computers as a resource. Mr.Keru said that
computer is the most important learning tool and that Lariak is the only
primary school in Laikipia County with a computer laboratory.
“As long as
you are literate you should have basic computer skills.” Said Mr. Keru.
Safaricom
Foundation committee member Kenneth Kiprop told the gathering that they are
returning to the community what they have invested in Safaricom. Kiprop said
that the investment in computer was informed by the need to raise education
standards in Sipili, as a prerequisite to development.
Adams
Kimani, who is a former student of the school and now works with the
Foundation, informed the school that they have formed a facebook group and they
are exploring various ways in which they can bring further development in
Sipili.
No comments:
Post a Comment