Happy Endings at Kibra Academy

This past week our computer classes at Kibra Academy came to an end and we said "see you later" to our students and co-workers. The last two weeks of classes were a bit of a struggle because of Nairobi's power rationing scheme, which means that we didn't have any electricity for 2 of the 5 days of the week. It was pretty sad to have a room full of kids wanting to use and learn the computer programs but with no power to enable us to do that. Nonetheless we made the most of the last few days lecturing about internet, good research methods, more details on computer parts and then actually taking apart a CPU to show the students what things really look like on the inside.

The students that made it on our last day of classes (some have been attending less frequently because it is actually their school holiday) were surprised with some candies and internet access for the day so that we could set up email addresses for each of them. One by one we showed them how to set up an account, send an email and manage their inboxes. The students were really excited about it and we've each already received several messages in our personal inboxes from our students. Two students wrote:

"Hi,i appreciate knowledge of computer especialy about the internate, now am proud of my self.thank you again."

"I really apreciate you for your help. When you go back, remember us and let's communicate."

After our last day with our students, the school's administration hosted a really nice 'thank-you' ceremony for us with tea, donuts and small presents from the Nubian community that we were working in. They expressed their gratitude for helping them get started on such a big undertaking that may not have otherwise been so feasible. They were nonetheless also quite happy that the project was turned over to them and that they felt included in the project, with a large stake in its outcome. We discussed some of the project's highs and lows and about what each intern also gained or learned by taking part.


We of course posed for plenty of pictures with our students and friends before we left, promising to send the pictures to them via email this week.



The school is now completely closed for the holiday and is finalizing the plans it has made for continuing the computer class after we have left and hiring the next full-time teacher who will take over with the official Kenyan syllabus. I think the excitement and enthusiasm shown by the students will ensure that the classes continue successfully and their computer knowledge will grow quickly. We have formed a unique bond with this school and it is an experience none of the interns will ever forget. Our time at Kibra has surely impacted what we think of Kibera and similarly impoverished, but not disempowered, communities. We will miss you!