Introduction
During a recent meetup with headteachers from Nyamasare, Ambira, Ugunja, Ngunya, and Sirandumb Primary Schools, the impact of the Kijiji Yeetu initiative was clearly evident. This program has transformed education in Ugunja Sub-County by providing internet connectivity, significantly enhancing student engagement and streamlining administration.
Mr. Jasper Obonyo, headteacher of Nyamasare, noted that the students are now more engaged, stating, “It’s exciting to see them explore new topics. Mr. Martin Owino, headteacher at Ugunja Primary, added, “The initiative has been a game-changer for us; students can access a wealth of information that was previously unavailable.”
Administratively, the initiative has improved efficiency. Mr. Oduor Stephen from Ambira Primary remarked, “We can file government returns online, saving time and resources.” Community hotspots have further encouraged local involvement, with Mr. Remjius Owino sharing, “Parents use the hotspots to access important information.”
Challenges Remain
However, challenges remain. Headteachers highlighted the need for digital literacy training for teachers, as many struggle with technology. Additionally, there is a shortage of devices. Mr. Gerald Kagillos from Sirandumb Primary emphasized, “Without enough computers, we can’t maximize our internet access.”
Power supply issues also disrupt connectivity. Mr. Obonyo pointed out, “Outages affect teaching and learning.” Furthermore, vandalism of fiber lines poses a significant threat. Ms. Dorcas Wanga, headteacher at Ngunya Primary, mentioned, “We face constant interruptions due to damage to our fiber lines.” A local parent Damiano Odhiambo expressed concern about the youth in the community, stating, “It’s frustrating to see youths cutting the fiber lines. They don’t realize how much this impacts our children’s education.”
Student Perspectives
Students shared a mix of experiences. Gaitano Omondi from Ngunya Primary said, “Sometimes the internet is down, and we can’t study. It makes it hard for us.” In contrast, Fidel Castro Otieno from Sirandumb Primary expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I love using the internet for research, and it helps me with my projects!” Vivian Anyango from Ambira Primary acknowledged the challenges, saying, “I want to learn more online, but sometimes there’s no power, and we can’t connect.” Mariamu Binti Yusuf from Nyamasare Primary added a positive note, stating, “Having the internet makes our learning more interesting. I can find videos that explain my lessons better.” Finally, Pascal Alego emphasized, “When the fiber lines are cut, we lose connection, and it affects our learning.”
Conclusion
In summary, while the Kijiji Yeetu initiative has made significant progress in enhancing education, it is essential to address digital literacy, device shortages, power reliability, and vandalism. Collaborative efforts from stakeholders are crucial to fully realize the potential of connected primary schools in Ugunja, benefiting both students and the community.
As Hawi Rapudo , the director of Kijiji Yeetu, stated, “We must continue to work together to overcome these challenges and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a connected environment.” He also mentioned plans for sourcing equipment, initiating digital classes starting January 2025, and forming partnerships with other stakeholders to enhance the learning experience.
