Akili Library: Empowering the Youth Through Technology

Posted by: David Omondi

​Akili Library & Information Center has been a beehive of activity since January. The youth from the community, predominantly high school leavers awaiting their national examinations and out of school girls, have been swarming the library to study basic computer applications and read story books. 

The students come to the library every afternoon. It takes about 2 months for the students to complete a basic course in computer applications including MS Word, MS Access, MS PowerPoint, MS Publisher, MS Excel, Internet and email. They are also taught how to use the computers for research.

We recently received a donation of an Encyclopedia Britannica CD from Ms. Cecilia W Yu (余詠詩).  The CD contains over 60,000 books and videos on different topics of interest to the library users. All of these books are now available off-line which is good news for us, given the fact that we do not have an Internet connection yet. We installed the CD into our 10 computers and the students have been enjoying researching information on various topics of interests, reading history and watching videos. Computer training enables the youth to acquire the essential computer skills needed for success in today's computer-driven society.   

The training enables the youth to acquire the essential computer skills needed for success in today's computer-driven society. The vast majority of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds. At the end of the training, they are issued with a certificate which they can use to seek employment as data clerks, secretaries or cyber café attendants in town. 

This project solves the problem of computer illiteracy by providing computer learning opportunities for marginalized youth in Obunga. The library has provided a conducive environment for the out of school youth who come to study computer enabling them to stay out of trouble in the community.

We are grateful to Cecilia W Yu (www.ceciliayu.com) for this donation which will go a long way in increasing access to information and promoting literacy in the Obunga Slum. 

You can support this project by sponsoring a girl to study basic computer applications for $25. This goes towards paying tutors, paying for Internet, electricity bills and maintaining the computers.  Please visit our Get Involved page!