In the hustle and bustle of Kenya’s capital Nairobi, a revolution is shaping the tech world by engaging young women and girls in digital learning through the ‘Code and Connect’ initiative by NairoBits Trust.
The Code & Connect event is a collaborative initiative by NairoBits, in conjunction with tech industry leaders Lenovo, and Microsoft, aimed at empowering young women from under-resourced communities by interacting and training coding through AI and Minecraft gaming.
The project focuses on utilizing AI gaming to enhance digital literacy and upskill participants, making them better prepared for high-impact and innovative careers in the Kenyan tech space.
Typically in an industry historically dominated by men, these girls are not only learning to navigate but also to lead and better their community’s lives. The program is in its second year since inception has so far reached over 800 girls locally.
“The response has been very positive and overwhelming on our side especially when you see students pass through our hands and eventually join the Alumni community and give back to the institution impacting positively on the lives of the students” asserts Martin Gathu who is the InnTech Program Manager at NairoBits Trust.
“The tech world is rapidly evolving and new players are minting big time. For women especially the tech world may not be best suited for them but once you venture into it its an enjoyable and lucrative field,” says Wanjiku Munyaka the Partner Development Manager at Microsoft.
Wanjiku further confirms of Microsoft’s commitment towards suppoting non- profitable organizations such as Nairobits that are giving back to the community through tech skills. While mentoring the Code and Connect studets she further advised them to upskill where necessary and to familiarize themselves with the new code language so as to stay competitive in the modern digital economy.
According to Jane Govindsamy the Lenovo CSR Champion for East and Central Africa she is looking forward to a greater partnership extending past the two years they have partnered with Nairobits.
“I have worked on numerous projects across Africa but this is unique because it focuses on girl child empowerment. I advice girls to have a change in mindset towards such ventures conventionally known to be for men and to spread the word so that more can come forwards and join the program,” encourages Jane.
Since NairoBits’ inception 25 years ago, the organization has impacted the lives of over 200,000 individuals. It continues to make tech accessible as a life-changing and solution-building tool in the lives of vulnerable youths in Nairobi’s informal settlements. NairoBits target group is individuals aged between 17 and 24 years old while also accommodating applicants up to the age of 30 in some instances. While formal education is not mandatory, preference is given to those who have completed secondary school and have limited opportunities to access higher-level education.
Eligibility is also determined by the participant’s vulnerability, which is assessed through parental care, household income, and educational levels. Additionally, the program extends its reach to marginalized communities, including individuals with disabilities, girls, women, and teen mothers.
When Faith Victoria walked into NairoBits and got enrolled into the Digital Literacy Program, she was very green in the tech world but as days progressed she found a niche and dispelled the myth that only boys can survive in the tech world.
“When we began the introductory topics everything started flowing and I remember going home after a month and putting into use what we had learnt. So far I am conversant with Coding, Digital Marketing and Design, tells Faith.
For this lasses NairoBits has not only offered a lease of hope but also given them a once in a lifetime opportunity that will in the long run give them an opportunity to tackle the job market as well as earn a living for those that may opt to be self employed as they impact positively in their communities.
According to Jane Govindsamy the Lenovo CSR Champion for East and Central Africa she is looking forward to a greater partnership extending past the two years they have partnered with NairoBits.
“I have worked on numerous projects across Africa but this is unique because it focuses on girl child empowerment. I advice girls to have a change in mindset towards such ventures conventionally known to be for men and to spread the word so that more can come forwards and join the program,” encourages Jane.
Gloria Adhiambo who is a resident of Kibra who is a student sees herself scaling to greater heights in the tech world.
“Upon completion I intend to go back to my community and apply what I learnt to help uplift my neighborhood techwise and in future start a tech organization for teenage mothers within the slum, “ said Gloria.
“ I got wind of what NairoBits is doing through an Alumni and I had already seen the shift in her life as a person and I have loved every experience here and it is fun and I intend to join the Advanced Multimedia Program. I would like to become a web developer if not a designer, “adds an ever smiling Debra Milantoi.
As NairoBits ‘Code and Connect’ project propels forward, it is clear that the future of technology in Kenya is not just in good hands but in the hands of determined young women, coding their way to a brighter and a new reality in life. For every code they write it is crafting a future full of promise and greater potential.
Photo Captions
1. Lenovo East Africa Segment Leader Premnath Kumarasamy speaks to student at NairoBits Trust after the tech company and Microsoft held a mentorship session for their female students under the initiative, Code & Connect aimed at empowering young individuals from under-resourced communities in Nairobi by teaching coding through Minecraft gaming.
2.) NairoBits Trust in collaboration with tech companies Lenovo, and Microsoft held a mentorship session for their female students under the initiative, Code & Connect aimed at empowering young individuals from under-resourced communities in Nairobi by teaching coding through Minecraft gaming. Being in its second years the initiative has reached over 800 girls focusing on utilizing technology to enhance digital literacy and up skill participants, making them better prepared for high-impact careers in the tech industry. This further underscores the importance of technology in fostering socio-economic growth and bridging the digital divide, providing valuable opportunities for youth aged between 17 to 24 years to develop essential skills for the modern digital economy.
3.)Martin Gathu the InnTech Program Manager at NairoBits Trust speaks to student at NairoBits Trust after the tech company and Microsoft held a mentorship session for their female students under the initiative, Code & Connect aimed at empowering young individuals from under-resourced communities in Nairobi by teaching coding through Minecraft gaming.
4.) Lenovo CSR Champion for East and Central Africa Jane Govindsamy awards Marilyne Madara a student at NairoBits Trust after the tech company and Microsoft held a mentorship session for their female students under the initiative, Code & Connect aimed at empowering young individuals from under-resourced communities in Nairobi by teaching coding through Minecraft gaming.—
