Camara Education

Exciting News from Nyerere Memorial Secondary School in Tanzania!

The installation of the Digital Learning Centre has been completed, providing 25 computers for the school's 44 teachers and 1205 students. This milestone project enhances the teaching and learning experience by integrating technology into the educational process.

Previously reliant on Korogwe Teachers College for ICT education, the new computer lab allows Nyerere Memorial to seamlessly incorporate technology into their curriculum. The Student Techspire training educates students on the significance of ICT, with sessions focusing on both theory and practical application.

Elizabeth David, the Head Girl, shared her excitement: "We thank you for providing us access to these computers. Previously, it was difficult to take our ICT subjects, especially exams, without equipment, but we promise that with this computer access in our school this year, we will perform better.”

Thank you to the WAGE group for all their support! Together with Camara Education, we are improving ICT skills and raising awareness of educational technology among educators, school leaders, and students. 💻📚

Meet Fikir Teklematiyam from NGS Nativity Girls School in Ethiopia! 🌟

Fikir's learning journey has been transformed thanks to the partnership between Dell Technologies and Camara Education. Starting in grade 9, Fikir began using Camara computers, and now in grade 10, she’s excited to share how these tools have made a huge impact on her studies.

The Dell computers come preloaded with Camara’s educational content, including videos, accessible textbooks, and practice exams tailored for the National Exam. For Fikir, who finds chemistry and physics challenging, these videos make difficult subjects engaging and easier to understand.

“I love the videos,” says Fikir. “They make the subjects I struggle with more engaging and easier to understand. Practising with these exams has helped me get ready and feel more confident.”

Thank you for your incredible support! You've made a big difference in Fikir's learning experience. 💻📚✨

🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ On the 3rd of August, we celebrate the men's Olympic road race and on the 4th of August, the women's Olympic road race! If you fancy yourself doing something like a bike race, why not join us for a good cause?

We're looking for people to join us for the London to Brighton bike ride on the 15th September with . If you can ride a bike, you can make it to Brighton, so why not tick this off your bucket list!

The deadline for entering is the 16th of August, so why not sign up today?

Link to sign up: https://hubs.ly/Q02HN_7f0

🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ On the 3rd of August, we celebrate the men's Olympic road race and on the 4th of August, the women's Olympic road race! If you fancy yourself doing something like a bike race, why not join us for a good cause?

We're looking for people to join us for the London to Brighton bike ride on the 15th September with . If you can ride a bike, you can make it to Brighton, so why not tick this off your bucket list!

The deadline for entering is the 16th of August, so why not sign up today?

Link to sign up: https://hubs.ly/Q02HP7Vb0

Kelvin Kirimi Mutuma completed Camara Kenya’s internship programme in 2022 and is currently working at Erido Computer Solutions in Mombasa.

He said:
"I was born and raised in the outskirts of Mombasa, in a place called Meru, 27 years ago. Growing up in a humble background, my parents did just enough to provide shelter and basic education. It never crossed my mind that one day I would be among the best technicians in the city.

My journey as a technician started in 2022 after completing my Diploma in ICT and CISCO Networking course at Star Institute of Professionals. At the end of my course, I heard about Internship programs at Camara Education Kenya and decided to join. Looking back, I am glad I made the decision - this is where I expanded my knowledge base and garnered experience, which has proved to be invaluable. The team of experts at Camara Kenya is more than willing to help young men and women cross the gap between school graduation and the job market.

Camara Education Kenya equips interns with skills to navigate the job market. While interning at Camara, I had the opportunity to put into practice what I had learned in school. I did all this without the fear of making mistakes since the experts at Camara encouraged us not to fear mistakes but instead to embrace and learn from them. The trainers at Camara allowed us to tag along for field work. The number of trips I made to schools within Mombasa County for computer maintenance and networking is countless. This exposure has jump started my career as a networking and computer technician at Erido Computer Solutions.

At Erido, I have undertaken different roles including computer repair, CCTV installation and maintenance, as well as being a sales agent. All this is a result of the interpersonal skills I gained from Camara Education Kenya, which have enabled me to navigate the job market efficiently.

Today, I pride myself on being among the best computer and networking technicians, courtesy of Camara Education Kenya. Thank you, Camara, for the opportunity to train with you and help kickstart my career.”

https://hubs.ly/Q02HN_6M0

Our technician, James Jira, is giving a hands-on demonstration to one of our dedicated teachers, Bonventure Nyambati from Nkoroi Secondary School in Kajiado County in Kenya. James is showcasing how the dashboard for the Stem Steps Towards Positive Futures project works - from computer usage data collection to analysis, and how the CEK team makes informed decisions from that. Additionally, he shares much more about the server and client computers and the processes involved in fetching and presenting the content to the students.
By doing so, the CEK technicians ensure that the ICT teachers are well-versed with the technology that supports the learning environment. It's fantastic to see this collaboration, bridging the gap between education technology and teaching!

“Thank you, Camara Education, for your commitment to empowering us as teachers with the knowledge we need to leverage technology in the classroom. Together, we're driving innovation and enhancing the educational experience for our students," stated Mr. Bonventure.

On this International Friendship Day, we celebrate the friendships that technology helps create. At https://hubs.ly/Q02HNR9t0 our mission is to provide access to technology and education, fostering connections and friendships that span the globe. Every computer donated supports students in building a brighter, more connected future. Let's bridge the gap and bring the world closer, one device at a time.

With funding support from Songas Limited Tanzania, we installed a computer lab in two schools in the Coast Region: Msafiri Secondary and Mwinyi Secondary.

The new computer lab will positively impact 3,567 students and 64 teachers.

The Songas team, government officials, teachers, and students from both schools attended the event.

🌟 Success Stories 🌟
Meet Abiud Wekesa Mukitang'a, a student from the Technical University of Mombasa and an intern in our May-August 2024 internship.

“My name is Abiud Wekesa Mukitang’a, and I hail from Bungoma, Kenya. I am in my third year at the Technical University of Mombasa, undertaking my internship at Camara Education Kenya.

I was introduced to Camara Education Kenya by my lecturer, Mr. Charo. Initially, I had little knowledge about this organisation. However, during the orientation period, I discovered that Camara is a dedicated organisation focusing on Computer Hardware, Content, and Training.

Through the guidance of Camara trainers, I have significantly enhanced my computing skills. For instance, I have become proficient in diagnosing and identifying bad sectors in hard disk drives (HDDs).

Overall, Camara has proven to be one of the finest organisations with which I have had the opportunity to work. It has equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge that will directly benefit my career prospects, particularly in pursuing self-employment after my studies.

As I continue with my internship, I would like to express my gratitude to the leadership, staff, and colleagues at Camara for their cooperation and invaluable support in fostering my learning and skill development.”

Join us in celebrating Abiud's journey!

Last week, Ireland’s Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Micheál Martin, visited Ethiopia. It was a fantastic opportunity for Camara’s Country Director, Mikiyas Woldeyesus to meet with The Tánaiste and other representatives from Irish NGOs operating in Ethiopia. Mikiyas shared insights about Camara Education Ethiopia.

Also present were Ambassador of Ireland to Ethiopia, Nicola Brennan, Minister of Women and Social Affairs H.E Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) and Brother Kassu from St. John De La Salle School.

21-year-old Janeth George successfully completed Camara Tanzania’s Youth Digital Skills course, and it has literally changed her life. She said:
“Thanks to the Youth Digital Skills Program, I am now employed by Dospects Studio. My family believed in marriage, and I struggled to break free from that expectation due to financial dependence on them. But now, after completing the programme, I have gained employable skills and managed to get work. Many thanks to Camara Education, Tanzania."

https://hubs.ly/Q02GxD7h0

“My name is Everlyne Mkabili. I am a student from Kenya Coast National Polytechnic pursuing a Diploma in Information Communication Technology. I am currently enrolled as an intern at Camara Education Kenya, a charity that provides computers, teacher training, and innovative learning programs to schools across Africa.
I came to know Camara through a teacher at Ribe Girl’s High School – I received three offers of attachments but the teacher advised me to select Camara since it was the best.

From the very start, the learning environment has been friendly and understanding and the skills I have learned so far are top-notch. Among other things, I have learned how to dismantle and assemble all the external and internal parts of a PC; how to install various operating systems to different PCs; how to troubleshoot by running diagnostics; and how to make storage devices bootable.

With these few but important skills, I have been able to help a computer teacher at Ribe Girls’ High School solve a problem with one of his computers that had stopped working (the computer was not powering on, and if it was powering on, there was no display). I gave a solution to this scenario by asking him to remove the PC RAM sticks and clean them, as well as the RAM slots. I also asked him to check the power cable supplying power to the motherboard. After a few minutes, I received feedback from the same teacher, who happily explained to me that the directives I gave him worked successfully.

As we continue with this program, my hope is to gain more skills so that I can use them to build my future career as an IT Support Specialist.”

https://hubs.ly/Q02GxGQn0

More great work from Camar Ethiopia

Today is World Youth Skills Day, founded to celebrate the importance of providing young people with the skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. At Camara, we believe that equipping youth with digital skills and knowledge is central to unlocking their full potential and driving positive change in their communities. It is at the heart of everything we do.

Click below to discover how our internship programme in Kenya and Youth Digital Skills courses in Tanzania are helping to change lives.

https://hubs.ly/Q02GxySf0

As part of our recent upgrade to the computer lab at Hermann Gmeiner Primary School, we collected the old computer equipment in order to ensure that it was disposed of properly. Camara aims to create a closed loop system for all e-waste generated through our projects, keeping it out of landfill. In Zambia we partner with CFK to ensure it is appropriately recycled.

The school at the SOS Children’s Village, just outside Lusaka, Zambia, is now called Hermann Gmeiner Primary School. At the request of the Headteacher, and with support from PWC, we recently upgraded the lab there, replacing the old computers with modern devices. We set up 25 desktop computers, a Local Area Network and a classroom server packed with educational resources for the learners. Due to high demand for Junior Secondary places in the area, the school has added grades 8 and 9, whose students will be taking computer studies as a compulsory subject.

SOS Children's Village Lusaka is located about six kilometres outside the city centre along the Great North Road in Lusaka city. SOS is an organisation which cares for and supports children who are orphaned or unable to be cared for in their own families. Within SOS Children’s Village in Lusaka, 180 children are cared for in fifteen family houses built in clusters of three, each of which are headed by a house mother. In addition to the homes where the children live, SOS Children's Village also has a primary school, a secondary school and a skills centre where children from both within and outside of the village attend school. The school was officially taken taken over by Government in the year 2019 and is now fully staffed and ran by the Ministry of Education

Camara Zambia has held a close relationship with SOS Children’s Village since 2011, when our Lusaka sub-hub was located within the village. Since then, even after the relocation of our office space, SOS Children’s Village has provided Camara Zambia with a safe and secure place for our equipment to be stored until 2023.

As part of our recent lab upgrade we carried out:
ICT Skill Builder Training: Training for all teachers in both the secondary and primary sections.
Educational Leadership Sessions: Sessions for school administrators.
LAN Installations and CCNMS Configurations: Ensuring students get the best of offline educational content.
Continued Technical Support: Both physical and remote routine technical support.

We are thrilled to announce that Johnstone Muchiri has joined the Camara Education Kenya team as Country Director.

Johnstone has long experience in both the Nonprofit and Private sectors, with a special focus on skills development and ICT in education and in managing and evaluating large donor-funded projects.

He was Regional Manager for Squid Kenya for the iMlango Project in Makueni & Kajiado Counties, an FCDO-funded project where Camara was also one of the partners. He has also worked for the Financial Journalism Training Project in Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania (Strathmore University Business School) and the WWF’s Education for Sustainable Development Project, among others, and was Managing Director of RizikiSkills, an eLearning and training platform offering locally accredited Professional Development courses in over 10 African countries.

Johnstone holds a Master of Science in Project Management and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same area, and an Executive MBA.

Happy Independence Day from Camara Education

"Exploring Opportunities: My Journey at the e-Learning Center"

Meet Amran Tewodros, a bright 16-year-old in grade 11 at Assai Public School, Addis Ababa. This testimonial captures the profound impact of the Digital-Learning centre on her educational journey. Amran regularly visits the centre, even during breaks, to utilise the computers and engage with educational materials.

"I like going to the e-learning centre. I come here whenever possible, even during my breaks, to use the computers. I enjoy watching videos and practising my English, my favourite subject. I also like reading books, taking exams, and seeing how much I can achieve. The contents on the computers are easy to use, and if I need help understanding something in class, I can always come here to learn more. I'm confident that next year I'll do well on the national exam. I hope to become an architect or study literature."

Thank you Dell Technologies for your donations!

From School Computers to Success: My Journey with Camara Computers

Meet Alazar Mitiku, a bright 19-year-old in grade 12 at Assai Public School, Addis Ababa. This testimonial showcases the transformative impact of Dell Computers with Camara content on students' educational journeys. From grade 9 to grade 12, Alazar highlights how Camara computers have revolutionised his learning experience.

"I've been using Camara computers since grade 9, and they've been really helpful for me. Before, I only had access to school computers to support my IT education. But with Camara computers, I can study and find lots of resources to learn from for every subject. Exploring Camara computers has made me excited about becoming a civil engineer in the future. Now that I'm in grade 12, I'm getting ready for the national exam. I've been practising using the previous national exams on Camara computers, and now my friends and I practise every day to prepare."

Thank you Dell Technologies for your donations!

📸 Credit: Camara Education Ethiopia

Happy Canada Day from Camara Education

At St Jude Boarding Girls Secondary School, Kathonzweni Sub-County, Makueni County, Eastern Kenya, the future is now!

In our buzzing computer lab, Mr. Mutai brought lessons to life with an interactive online quiz session. The room was filled with excitement as students tackled challenges projected on the whiteboard. Moving around the room, Mr. Mutai provided guidance and encouragement, turning every question into a learning opportunity.

“Thanks to the generous donation of computers from the STEM STEPS PROJECT, our students have unlocked new pathways to learning and creativity, empowering minds and transforming education through technology. We value your support, for making our learning journey extraordinary,” said Mr. Mutai.

My Academic Journey Using Camara Computers

Meet Feven Alemayehu, an inspiring 18-year-old in grade 12 at Assai Public School, Addis Ababa. Previously using computers only for IT lessons, Feven's academic journey transformed when her school received Camara computers.

"Throughout my academic journey, the resources I discovered on computers have been invaluable in facilitating my learning and completing assignments easily. I've found great joy in using these contents to increase my educational experience. Now, as a student in grade 12, I rely on these same computer-based resources to prepare for the upcoming national exam. With the government mandating online examinations this year, our school allows us to rehearse and use model exams available on the computers to ensure we're well-prepared for this national exam. The accessibility of computer-based learning has undoubtedly played a big role in my academic success, empowering me to face this crucial examination confidently."

📸 Credit: Camara Education Ethiopia
Thank you Dell Technologies for your donations!

Meet Longwani Luckson

This is the story of our work at Camara!

Longwani, from Kabwe, Central Province in Zambia, is pursuing Computer Studies (ICT) at Kabwe School for Continuing Education. Thanks to Camara, he's mastered Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher. 📊💻

Despite many challenges, Longwani's dedication to computer science kept him going. From coding to networking, his ambition is to uplift his community through tech. He's developed educational software for local schools and e-commerce platforms for small businesses. Each project helps his aspiration to make a positive impact. 🌍✨

Through hard work, perseverance, and determination, Longwani has emerged as a promising young technologist in Kabwe. With a passion for computers, he's ready to tackle future challenges head-on!

Read more about Longwani's journey and the impact of our work: https://hubs.ly/Q02CgF420

Meet Maroa Peter Masogore from Kongowea Secondary School, Mombasa!

Peter faced challenges in traditional classroom settings, struggling with organisation, managing assignments, and understanding complex concepts. However, everything changed when he gained access to computers.

How Computers Made a Difference:
1. Personalised Learning: Computers allowed Peter to tailor his learning experience to his individual needs, exploring online tutorials, educational websites, and digital textbooks.

2. Research and Information Access: With a vast world of knowledge at his fingertips, Peter utilised search engines and academic journals to improve the quality of his work and expand his understanding of various topics.

3. Collaboration: Collaboration tools helped Peter work with classmates on projects, share documents, and participate in school forums, enhancing his communication skills.

4. Creativity and Expression: Software applications enabled Peter to express his ideas and present projects in innovative ways.

Academic Achievement:
1. Improved Grades: Peter's academic performance improved significantly, earning him positive feedback and confidence in his abilities.

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Technology engagement encouraged Peter to think critically, analyse information, and solve problems creatively.

3. Preparation for the Future: Peter's experience with computers prepared him for success beyond high school, developing essential digital literacy skills and a passion for lifelong learning.

Peter aspires to be an Accountant, and his journey exemplifies the transformative power of computers in education. By providing access to technology, students like Peter can overcome barriers and achieve academic success.

Thank you to all our donors and partners for making success stories like Peter's possible!

Read more about his journey on our website: 🌐 https://hubs.ly/Q02CcRfS0

We're looking for passionate cyclists to join us for the London to Brighton bike ride in September with !

Link to page https://hubs.ly/Q02CsYPQ0

London to Brighton - Camara Education London to Brighton Cycle Ride with camara Education The London to Brighton Cycle Ride follows an iconic route from Clapham Common in South London to the buzzing Brighton seafront! Please support Camara by joining our team of riders. The London to Brighton ride is the perfect inclusive ride, challeng...

Meet Chongo Makamba

Chongo is studying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Kabwe School for Continuing Education in central Zambia. When she first started her ICT course, she faced many challenges - beginning with finding out what a computer is, and what it can do! Typing was slow and finding letters on the keyboard was difficult. But over time, she improved so that now she can type and create all sorts of documents which will help her find work.

Furthermore, computers have helped with her course research and writing assignments. With these new digital skills, she feels well-prepared for the future.

Read more about Chongo's journey and the impact of our work: URL Link https://hubs.ly/Q02CfNs90

Transforming lives through donated computers: Jovial Nyosimi's Success Story

At Camara Education Kenya, we believe in the power of technology to unlock opportunities and empower students. Today, we're thrilled to share the inspiring success story of Jovial Nyosimi Momanyi, a high school student at Nkoroi Mixed Secondary in Kajiado County. Jovial's journey with donated computers has transformed his educational experience and future prospects.

Initially struggling due to limited access to technology, Jovial's academic performance improved remarkably after receiving donated computers. He enhanced his learning, developed essential digital literacy skills, and explored his interests, leading to top grades and recognition in class.

Jovial now aspires to pursue a career in Information Technology, aiming to make a positive impact in the world. His story is a testament to the transformative power of donated computers.

Thank you to all our donors and partners for your generosity and support. Together, we're changing lives and shaping futures through the gift of technology in education.

Read more about his journey on our website: 🌐 https://hubs.ly/Q02C0_C00