Donated PCs become African multimedia centres

(Photo credit: Glenn Edwards)

The schools that CFSK sends the refurbished PCs to range from the top establishments in the country to the poorest community colleges. Shangilia Mtoto wa Afrika (pictured) is definitely in the latter group. According to IT teacher Wesley Omare, the majority of the children at the school, aged from seven to 15, would be on the streets if it was not for the centre. It provides a much-needed refuge, both day and night, for children from abusive or broken homes who often have no other place to turn to.

Although some critics question the importance of providing IT skills to children who may not even own shoes, Omare stressed that education, and in particular IT skills, could provide them with something even more important — a future. Basic IT skills, including how to use Microsoft Office and some basic typing training, are taught in a computer room no bigger than a store cupboard, with a few games provided to sugar the pill. "I get huge amounts of satisfaction from seeing a child learn the smallest thing — as even a small step forward, such as being able to click a mouse or open a folder, is progress for children who have nothing," said Omare.