NAIROBI, Kenya 16 June – Mwalimu National Sacco has launched an initiative to digitize and improve service delivery in the country’s education sector.
Mwalimu National has partnered with Intel Corporation and other industry partners to promote the “Mwalimu Digital” initiative. Under this program, Mwalimu National will provide teachers in Kenya with low interest and friendly loans to acquire a modern computer.
The Mwalimu Digital Program is expected to complement the Teacher Service Commission’s Digital Transformation of schools.
Mwalimu National Sacco CEO, Robert Shibutse said the campaign will support Government’s efforts on Digital Literacy Project.
“The programme we are launching today will enable Mwalimu National complement the Government’s efforts on Digital Literacy Project by reducing affordability barriers for teachers in Kenya to acquire their own devices and become digital professionals,” said Shibutse.
Under the program, Mwalimu National Sacco members will enjoy discounted prices on a number of Lenovo laptops and the 2in1 TECNO Winpad 10. In addition, they will have access to loans from the Sacco with monthly repayments that start as low as Sh1019.
The laptops will also come bundled with free Microsoft Office 365 for 1 Year, extended warranties, and digital teacher content from Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
Speaking during the launch event, Intel Corporation’s General Manager for East Africa, Danie Steyn said Intel is committed to supporting programs that accelerate technology adoption.
“We have initiated this program with Mwalimu National Sacco with the objective of getting more teachers connected and empowered with digital skills. While the world is transforming to a digital village, the classrooms in Africa are yet to catch up. We believe Mwalimu digital program is going to empower teachers to prepare students for the 21st century workplace where ICT is now becoming mainstream,” said Steyn.
The Ministry of Education in collaboration with partners such as Safaricom, UNICEF, Intel and Kenya Institute of Education have embarked on rolling out an e-learning program through support on building the infrastructure, capacity building the stakeholders and developing digital curriculum support materials for Kenyan schools.
Shibutse said ICT has the potential to bridge the knowledge gap in terms of improving quality of education, increasing the educational opportunities, making knowledge building possible and reaching populations in remote areas to satisfy their basic right to education.
