Three Islamic Relief schools in Dadaab refugee complex, Kenya, have gained a host of learning technology such as tablet PCs and internet connectivity. By implementing the project, we are enhancing education and boosting school enrolment.
As an implementing partner for the Vodafone Instant Network for Schools Project, Islamic Relief took part in a launch event in Dadaab on 29 October. For three of our schools, which serve children in Ifo 1 and Ifo 2 camps, it opened up a new world of learning.
Transforming learning in Dadaab
Dadaab is home to the world’s largest refugee complex. With some of the camps first established in the early 90s, a generation of children have grown up within the complex.
For years, Islamic Relief has been assisting people within the camps. Our work includes a delivering a UNHCR-funded programme that is running 18 schools in Dadaab.
Three of our primary schools – Horseed, Hormud and Mwangaza – are included in the latest scheme, which is a partnership between Vodafone, Huawei, Safaricom and UNHCR and covers 13 schools in total.
Installing ICT systems to improve educational outcomes
Learning at an Instant Network School means students benefit from a solar-powered centre where children and teachers access the internet and digital educational material.
In the three Islamic Relief schools, we renovated and furnished new e-learning classrooms, and installed the ICT systems. We also trained our teachers to incorporate the new technology into lessons – including using the internet, which is provided via our Dadaab field office.
The project is designed to improve educational outcomes, by boosting access to resources and knowledge as well as enabling teaching aids and a tailored curriculum to be used. It is hoped that the computer skills picked up by students will also help them to build successful careers when they complete their studies.
“This technology improves all our work,” said Michael Mutinda, a teacher at Mwangaza Primary School. “In the future, these children will have a much broader view of the world.
“They will know so much more than just the refugee camp, or even just Somalia and Kenya. Their view will be wide because they will have seen so many things.”
Already, the schools have reported increased student motivation, and a rise in school enrolment amongst vulnerable children in Dadaab. We plan to replicate the project to include other Kenyan schools supported by Islamic Relief.