Transforming lives through digital learning
Tanzania
We gave Lyra in Africa £54,113 for a three-year project to bring digital learning to rural schools in Tanzania.
The project, led by women, has transformed young people’s access to computers and digital skills, and boosted their wider knowledge and potential by giving access to the internet.
As well as installing three computer labs with refurbished computers in secondary schools, the charity trained teachers to run ICT sessions and undertake computer maintenance, and brought in digital mentors to encourage girls’ leadership in technology. Three schools received a computer lab and 72 teachers were trained on digital technology to acquire the essential digital skills. 1920 students including 1157 girls gained their first exposure to digital technology for learning. Coding clubs were formed in each schools, attracting 172 students. And 16 young women school leavers have been trained as digital learning mentors to support the students.
Lyra in Africa now aims to expand the project across the country and aims to make the computer labs more sustainable harnessing solar power.
Impact:
The project has helped students to boost their learning in remote rural schools, where some struggle to get enough books. The number of students passing national Form IV examinations (at Division I – III) rose in each of the three schools, in two by more than 10%.
The headmistress of one secondary school, Ifwagi, reported that as well as improving exam results it had reduced absenteeism. Some students at the school have already registered to take national ICT exams.
“The introduction of the computer lab at Ifwagi Secondary School lays the foundation for improved performance. [It] came at an opportune time because presently we are in the globalised era, an era that requires everyone at least to be learning things related to digital. It has helped to expand children’s capability to learn and comprehend in a more practical manner through computers.” Grace Kinyunyu, Headteacher
“My dream is to be a nurse… the digital project has significantly improved my academic performance because while teachers provide notices and we have access to library books, there are times when they may not be sufficient or entirely relevant.” Herieth Nzigilwa, student
“We aim to breach this digital divide and promote equitable access to education particularly for girls that would be left out in such subjects, ICT subjects but also STEM subjects. This project has changed young people’s lives.” – Cikay Richards, CEO Lyra in Africa (Tanzania)
Photo courtesy of Lyra in Africa. It shows students engage with computers for learning