Microsoft, in partnership with Intel and the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA), has established the 4Afrika Youth Device Programme in order to provide educational applications, online services, affordable devices, smart financing and affordable data plans to educational institutions in Kenya.
It is part of the Microsoft 4Afrika’s Youth Programme launched at the beginning of the year to provide scholarships, fellowships, and internships to thousands of African youth.
The programme will commence in Kenya and later launch in other African countries including South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt, the aim being to equip youth with 21st century skills and promote digital inclusion amongst Africa’s youth and educators across the continent.
Patrick Onwumere, Microsoft 4Afrika youth enablement director, said: “Through the programme’s pilot in Kenya, we want to equip youth with critical 21st century ICT skills that will contribute to the growth of Kenya’s knowledge economy and facilitate the use of e-government services.”
Alex Twinomugisha, business development manager for Intel East Africa, said: “These devices based on Intel architecture are purpose built for education, are student-friendly rugged designs that can withstand dropping off a desk and provide water-resistance and dust-resistance to promote anytime, anywhere learning.”
The devices will be locally distributed by Mitsumi Distribution. There will also be training for the teachers on ICT integration via the Intel Teach curriculum and Microsoft’s Teach with Technology course.
Kenya’s Equity Bank and M-Changa will provide specifically tailored finance options, while Safaricom will provide data packages consisting of five gigabyte and 10 gigabyte bundles.
“We would like to thank our partners, Microsoft, Intel, M-Changa, Equity and Safaricom who have come together to help us supplement the government’s efforts in providing quality and affordable devices for use in Elearning,” said KPSA chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Ndoro.
“The biggest value the Microsoft platform brings is our ability to offer a wide range of devices that deliver a connected experience across platforms and the services we provide,” said Onwumere.
“Our goal is not only to offer a range of affordable devices with educational applications and online services, but to deliver experiences that students and educators love through strategic cost of ownership, and training and support for the education partner ecosystem.”
