News

The Ngaini computer project was made possible thanks to the support of many parties including: the Nyeri community itself who worked hard to prepare the lab for the installation; Computer Aid founder and the Computer Science teacher at Metropolitan Prepatory Academy in Toronto, Canada, Shannon Volman and her students; and Dave Volman, the VP of Technology at Kensington Tours and a board member of Kensington Cares.

The idea for the project was born when Dave and Shannon visited Kenya in 2007 and were fortunate to have expert safari guide Godfrey Mariyuki. Godfrey, a governor of the Ngaini school.  Shannon had provided computer aid in the past spearheading the installation of similar labs in Belize, and Sri Lanka. After speaking to Godfrey and discussing the needs of his community’s school, the new plan was hatched.

In Kenya, Godfrey and the local community spearheaded preparations, laying down concrete flooring and metal structuring, and building desks, workspaces, and classrooms. Fundraising was done through their own networks.

In Canada, Shannon and her students set their minds to fulfilling their promise. Forty computers were procured thanks to a donation by the Bank of Montreal, and Microsoft Office and Encarta software were given by Microsoft for about $10 apiece. DHL Express Canada provided shipping for all items. The students designed and compiled training sessions and manuals.

After months of advanced preparation, the computers were installed over the course of a week in June and local teachers underwent a comprehensive training course.  Students, teachers, and the community now all share the computers which are wired with Internet, Microsoft Office, and Encarta encyclopaedias.

The remaining 10 computer were installed at Matumaini rehabilitation Centre, another Kensington Cares partner which provides support and education and vocational opportunities to disabled youths.  To ensure the long term sustainability of these computer labs, the Kensington Tours computer technician in Nairobi is supporting both schools.