The entire world has and is still experiencing a technological shift leading to proficiency in computers. Technology is now a prerequisite and computer illiteracy prevents children from competing in the modern economy. Opportunity of and access to a digital learning environment is crucial for employment but social life as well. Computer for Schools is our initiative to reduce the digital gap in access to - or quality of - technology between countries by introducing and improving the use of computers in the school environment.

Contact:
digitalisation@ewb-swe.org

Computers for Schools - C4S

Our Computers for Schools (C4S) projects aim to install computer labs at schools in rural as well as urban environments in less developed countries, and to train teachers at the school in fundamental computer literacy and educational software. 

Our projects include: computer equipment, the operating system with a variety of educational and administrative softwares, an introductory course to the hardware and basic computer knowledge training for the teachers of the school. Ensuring teachers feel confident and competent in their digital literacy is crucial for the success of the project, and the training of the students in today's digital world. Given the local contexts of implementation, the chosen technical solution took into consideration many factors, including balancing cost, power consumption, and reliability. Raspberry Pi’s for client computers were selected for their long-term stability both hardware- and software-wise, as well as their low energy-consumption and price.

Not only do our projects improve computer literacy among staff and students, but they also give access to a vast network of digital books, research, news and information to the communities. So far, our projects focus mainly on central Africa where the ratio of people with access to a computer ranges from 0-15%. A single computer lab at a school can make a significant change.

Computer for Schools - Cameroon

Our first project was implemented in Cameroon in August 2017 where we installed a  computer lab and trained six teachers in the use of the computers at the Family Farm Schools in Tatum. The schools are run by the NGO ACOHOF who primarily works with underprivileged children from the nearby rural areas. 

The computer lab is powered by solar panels that were previously installed by EWB-SWE as a local and renewal source of energy for the school. While the school doesn't have an internet connection, the students can access the world’s largest collection of information only one search away as the English Wikipedia is saved locally.

Shortly after, we carried out a similar project, including installation of a computer lab, training and electrical power supply, in western Cameroon.

Computer for Schools - Tanzania

In January 2020, we equipped a classroom with 15 computers, a server doubled as a teacher's computer, and networking equipment at  the Mavuno Secondary School in Karagwe, Tanzania. The computer lab serves 300 students at the school and gives them the opportunity to learn technical skills. The faculty of 15 staff received a four-week training course from our volunteers to be able to teach basic computer skills to their students and the computer lab as a tool in their teaching. 

The project has been funded by the generous donation from our main partner Sandvik through the auctioning of a 3D-printed "smash-proof" electric guitar, signed by Yngwie Malmsteen. It served as a spring-board for further work in digitized education, and we are working in the next steps for similar projects in several other schools in the region.

Computer for Schools - Kenya

Together with the partner organization Asulma Center in Nairobi, Kenya, we support the installation of computer labs at schools, train teachers in basic computer knowledge and the community towards a more digitalized society. Computer literate is a requirement from the new competence-based curriculum from the ministry of education in Kenya.

The implementation of the project was rephrased due to the pandemic and the implementation of installing a new computer lab and training teachers in basic computer skills took place in December 2022.  In addition to the computer lab, the Asulma center aims to train community members in basic computer skills, and offer internet service, print, and scan services to ensure a more digitized community.

Computer for Schools - Rwanda

In Gashora, we collaborate with the grassroot organization Gashora to improve computer literacy in the community. Approximately 98 percent of the children in Gashora never had any access to computers or other IT-equipment. With the world rapidly going digital, it creates a digital gap for them, leaving them vulnerable to future job markets and good quality of life.

The project aims to provide the Covaga women and children from the early childhood center (Irerero) who belong to one of the most vulnerable groups in Karutete village (Gashora) with access to computers and digital training through workshops and seminars.

This will be done by setting up an ICT centre and conducting training.