Passing of the Computer Lab Torch

On Saturday October 24th, Children of Kibera participated in the reception ceremony of Kibra Academy's new computer lab. The computer lab was established thanks to the generous donations of lap tops from Children of Kibera and desktops from Kensington Cares. The ceremony began around 11am and was attended by Children of Kibera's Project Coordinator Jeff Ochieng, former computer teacher, Tamara, and Joscelyn and myself (Jackie). Kensington Cares was represented by Andrew, his wife, Ruth, and three children, who coordinated the donations and set up of the lab. Additionally, Kibra students and parents, the teaching staff, and the school board members were present as well, and had prepared a generous ceremony thanking CoKF and Kensington Cares. The students worked all week to prepare entertainment for Saturday's guests, which included a short skit describing the importance of computer training the technological advancement of Kenyan society, a traditional Nubian dance, and traditional Luo dance. Jeff, Andrew, Ruth, and Kibra teaching staff all delivered short speeches emphasizing the importance of computer access and training for the students and the local community.

They also encouraged the students to take advantage of this opportunity to join the "information highway" to embellish their school work and education and to take good care of their new gift. The ceremony was followed by a student PowerPoint presentation on agricultural issues in third world countries in the computer lab, and a round of chai and mandaazi for the guests. Students were also involved in recording the event and demonstrated impressive camera skills in their video and photo documentation.

Kibra students and teachers were excited and grateful to receive this brand new lab, and even more excited to have the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge of computers.
Computer skills are a valuable asset to any students' resume and to access to greater opportunities in the working world. Saturday's guests strongly encouraged the students to take full advantage of this unique access to computers, epecially since it will allow them so many more chances to advance and grow. As Andrew from Kensington Cares puts it: each student is a seed, and especially with the cultivation of knowledge and skills training will each students' seed be able to grow and flower. He kindly shared the story of his own start to success, which started with one small seed of an idea and surely inspired the students' own desire to follow their dreams.

Already, a volunteer named Ken has signed on to teach the students how to do digital and video editing! Now that the lab has officially been passed over to Kibra, the students and the teachers are left to take advantage of this amazing gift. They will continue their computer classes and take good care of their new equipment.