Students from the Western and North Rift regions will benefit from Absa Bank’s digital literacy program following the installation of computer labs in 17 schools in the area.
The initiative is part of a KES25 million nationwide digital literacy effort led by the Bank in collaboration with Computer for Schools Kenya (CFSK). Each of the school’s labs includes 20 fully networked desktop PCs and furniture to promote suitable e-learning environments.
Speaking during the official commissioning ceremony at Kipsangui Girls High School in Uasin Gishu County, Absa Bank Kenya’s Head of Corporate Relations and Sustainability, Charles Wokabi said the initiative is aligned with the bank’s Citizenship Agenda and complements the government’s digital literacy programme.
“Education is a catalyst for positive social change within our communities and access to basic digital skills will empower young Kenyans with the tools and capabilities they need to succeed and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world. This computer lab will enable students to explore a wide range of educational resources across the web and engage in collaborative learning experiences,” said Wokabi.
Gracing the event, the Uasin Gishu Governor H.E Jonathan Bii urged the girls to use the opportunity to gain the necessary skills and competency to advance their careers: “The world has fully embraced digital, and this lab is an opportunity for students and residents to equip themselves with these in-demand ICT skills.”
On her part, the Kipsangui Girls High School Principal, Naomi Muhika, thanked the Bank for the donation, saying the labs will go a long way in developing fundamental digital skills relevant to the young generation and community as a whole. The Bank aims to fully equip and furnish over 70 computer labs in select primary and secondary schools across Kenya. So far, the initiative has reached 53 schools and impacted close to 53,000 students countrywide.
“We are grateful to Absa for their dedication to education and their profound investment in the future of our children,” Muhika said.
The Bank also planted 100 indigenous fruit trees at the school as part of its overall commitment to plant 10 million trees by 2025. The fruit trees not only complement the government’s efforts to improve the national tree cover but also boost nutrition, particularly among school-going children.
