Written by : Mercy Kainyu Kamathi : Consulting Data Analyst and Resource Mobilizer.
The Digital Agenda for Tanzania Initiative is running a Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project that will benefit over 3216 secondary school students by equipping them with ICT training, that will: enhance their awareness of ICT, improve their academic performance and overall improvement in their quality of life by addressing challenges related to information and communication technology. Digital Agenda is financing the initiative despite limited resources available, and works with collaborators such as the Ministry of Education, Local Education Authorities, Community Leaders and relevant NGOs.
Teachers and students from Mwanalugali, Bundikani and Bibi Titi secondary schools will be trained on ICT, their schools will be equipped with modern computer labs and fitted with computers with internet to facilitate online learning sessions with selected schools in Poland. These unforgettable practical learning sessions are important as they expose the students to learn new languages, national heritage, food, songs, art skills, geography and develop valuable relationships and lasting friendships. The project is expected to run for two years subject to availability of funds and be replicated in more schools.
The Headmaster from Mwanalugali Secondary school shared his sentiments on the project “This STEM project is sharpening our ICT skills because of the practical sessions that are quite educational. Unlike before, I have started to learn about ICT related concepts such as introduction to computer and its terminologies, the role of ICT in our daily lives, and opportunities and threats in ICT digital spaces in general.I can now comfortably use several software applications and this has greatly improved my digital skills to perform tasks and transfer the skills to my students”.
Aisha is a student in form two and also shared her experience “Personally I had never used a computer before, but this project has changed my interest and instead of becoming a teacher I now want to become a computer scientist. Through this initiative, I plan to make friends from Poland who will teach me their language, we exchange pictures and share our school project works online. I plan to work hard and hopefully go for further studies abroad where I will focus on computer science so that I will come back and teach more students”.
Digital Agenda for Tanzania Initiative will collaborate with partners and media outlets to disseminate important highlights and will put in place a robust feedback mechanism to capture valuable inputs from stakeholders that will promote ownership and foster collaboration that will contribute to a sustainable success of the digital inclusion project.
Challenges and Recommendations
The most significant challenge has been the shortage of teaching materials, particularly computers. Currently, only two office computers are available, which are insufficient for a class of 50 students. Establishing computer labs in the participating schools is essential to provide better access for both students and teachers. The successful establishment of these labs will directly benefit all 3,216 secondary school students involved in the initiative.
Among the 110 students reached, only three had prior knowledge of computers, which highlights a major issue as students lack engagement with digital tools and ICT. Without proper ICT education and digital awareness, students may face challenges such as cyber theft and sextortion.
To ensure the program’s lasting impact, it is crucial to provide more computers for teaching purposes, continue to teach more teachers, integrate ICT into the school curriculum to reinforce digital literacy, conduct regular workshops and seminars for both students and teachers and set up ICT student clubs that will encourage knowledge sharing among students.
2 Comments
Emmanuelkimathi76@gmail.com
Wonderful piece here
elisha pembese
I wish to be party of your organization