Kenya’s Communications and IT Solutions provider AccessKenya Group has today announced its commitment to support the use of technology in the delivery of education in the country; the firm will be giving technology resources and financial support to aid in the growth and adoption of information communication technologies in classrooms for secondary and primary schools.
To mark this committement, AccessKenya, inABLE Kenya and Computers for Schools Kenya (CFSK) signed two agreements which states that CFSK will spend Ksh. 6 million to support the ‘Assistive Technology Labs” project by inABLE Kenya and another Kes 1.2 million for the ‘Enhancing ICT use in Schools’ initiative by CFSK.
AccesKenya’s Deputy Chief Executive, Kris Senanu said: “Our vision is to see the total inclusion of the education sector in the incredible advancements being experienced in the local and regional ICT space. As the bedrock for intellect and talent development we shall do our best to aid the education sector especially for the marginalized and vulnerable in society to realize some of its potential in relation to the use of technology.”
He said Accesskenya will provide broadband internet and related technology support to bring online, six public primary and secondary schools that cater to the blind and visually impaired over the next one year. These are Likoni Primary school for the blind in Mombasa and St Francis Primary school for the blind in Kapenguria and St. Oda Primary school for the blind in Siaya. Others include Kibos primary and secondary schools for the blind in Kisumu and St. Lucy Secondary School for the blind in Meru county.
AccessKenya already provides free broadband internet services to the Thika Primary and Secondary Schools for the Blind in Thika, as well as St. Lucy’s Primary School for the Blind in meru. In total the project will benefit upwards of 1700 students.
“As we work to sustain our 5 operating ‘Assistive Technology labs’, and replicate the program at 4 other special schools for the blind in Kenya, our partnership with AccessKenya is a critical lifeline that is essential to the success of our computer literacy program and a limitless resource for our promising students,” said Tim Kajume, inABLE Kenya, board representative.
In the agreement with CFSK, AccessKenya will finance up to four workshops this year to train more than 200 principals and ICT teachers from public secondary schools in new teaching and education delivery technologies.
“ICT is penetrating at a high rate especially in Secondary Schools which is the exit point to higher education, employment and business. The principals and teachers being managers of the education process therefore need to be well equipped with relevant modern ICT tools for proper integration of technology into schools”, Said Dr. Tom Musili, Executive Director CFSK.