Camara Archives - Camara Education

IT and Training Officer, visited Project Mercy Medhanealem Secondary School in Butajira, Ethiopia

April 29, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara Computer maintenance Ethiopia Uncategorized

In April, as part of the Tenacity Worldwide initiative, Haregewoine, our IT and Training Officer, visited Project Mercy Medhanealem Secondary School in Butajira, Ethiopia. She configured and deployed English smart textbooks and repaired faulty PCs to ensure smooth learning for students and teachers.

“It was a real pleasure to contribute to such an impactful project supporting education and access to learning tools in our communities,” said Haregewoine. At Camara Education, we are proud to help unlock the power of technology to transform education across Africa.

Maintenance Training at Uhamiaji Secondary School Tanzania

April 29, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara Computer maintenance Tanzania Teachers & Educators

Maintenance Training at Uhamiaji Secondary School Tanzania

At Camara Education, we understand that regular maintenance and training are key to ensuring technology remains a reliable resource in the classroom. In March, we conducted a vital maintenance training at Uhamiaji Secondary School, benefiting 5 schools across Dar es Salaam.

By equipping teachers and IT staff with the skills to maintain and troubleshoot the technology, we ensure that digital resources continue to empower students for years to come. Regular training like this is essential to maximising the impact of our tech initiatives and keeping classrooms running smoothly.

Thank you to all the participants for their commitment to improving education through technology.

Michelle’s Journey into AI and Meteorology

April 29, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara ICT in Education Kenya Our Impact

Growing up, Michelle Mukami attended Mariakani Primary School, where there was no electricity, let alone digital resources. Learning science was tough—experiments were just words in a textbook, and understanding concepts without seeing them in action felt impossible.

Everything changed when she joined Kambi Mawe Girls Secondary School. For the first time, she sat in front of a real computer, thanks to the STEM Steps Project, a partnership between Camara Education and Dell Technologies. It was a game-changer! Through interactive simulations, Michelle finally saw science come to life. Complex topics that once felt confusing started making sense, and she discovered a love for technology—especially AI.

AI didn’t just help her understand science better; it changed the way she thought. She became more analytical, solving problems step by step. That’s when inspiration struck—what if AI could help predict rainfall patterns? Farmers in her community struggle with unpredictable weather, and she dreams of creating an AI-powered system to help them plan better.

“AI has opened my mind to endless possibilities. I want to use technology to solve real-world problems, starting with helping farmers predict rainfall and fight climate change,” Michelle says with determination.

Now, Michelle is determined to pursue meteorology and use AI to improve weather forecasting. Her goal? To help combat climate change and make life easier for farmers. From a school with no electricity to a future driven by technology, Michelle’s journey proves that with the right opportunities, anything is possible!

Highlights from our visits to three schools in Ethiopia

March 18, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara Ethiopia Partnerships

In October 2024, key members from Camara Education (CE) and Camara Education Ethiopia (CEE) made an important visit to three schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, supported by Dell. Anita McWilliams, Director of African Operations, Ibolya Nemeth, Director of Fundraising, and Mikiyas W, CEE’s Country Director, visited St. John Baptist, Dr. Haddis Alemayehu, and Assai Public School. The purpose of the visit was to witness the profound impact of the Digital Learning Centres on these schools.

At St. John Baptist, Anita, Ibolya, and the CEE team were warmly welcomed by the school’s director, teachers, and students, who were eager to share their experiences. The Digital Learning Centre has transformed the learning environment, offering students access to interactive activities, digital books, and curriculum-aligned resources. This has not only enhanced their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities but has also sparked increased engagement among students, including those who had previously been disengaged. Teachers observed that technology made it easier to cater to individual learning needs, allowing students to progress at their own pace and receive support where required.

A similar success story unfolded at Assai Public School. Here, the Digital Learning Centre has had a significant impact, encouraging students to participate in group projects and digital assignments. These activities have fostered teamwork and enhanced students’ technological skills. Teachers have benefited from a wealth of online resources, which have supported their lesson planning and made it easier to address the diverse needs of their students. Both teachers and students were enthusiastic about the innovative learning environment, with Ibolya and Anita particularly impressed by how technology had not only contributed to academic progress but also nurtured valuable soft skills like collaboration, communication, and digital literacy.

In a remote village, 12-year-old Abraham Setotaw, a Grade 5 student, had never seen a computer before. His school, with limited resources, made learning a constant struggle. However, after Camara provided Dell computers to the school, Abraham quickly mastered typing, research, and interactive maths lessons. As his grades improved, he gained access to knowledge far beyond his small village and began dreaming of becoming an engineer. The computer marked a turning point in his life, demonstrating how a single opportunity can be life-changing. Now, he encourages his classmates to dream big, too.

Meseret Shemelis, an 11-year-old in Grade 5, had always been curious about the world beyond her small village. But with limited resources, her dreams often felt out of reach. That all changed the day her school received Dell computers through Camara.

For the first time, Meseret had access to a digital world brimming with endless knowledge. She spent hours exploring, reading about planets, inventions, and groundbreaking discoveries. Her curiosity quickly turned into determination—she now aspired to become a scientist and create solutions for her community.

Thanks to Dell’s technology and Camara’s initiative, Meseret now dreams of building innovations that will transform lives. Her story is a powerful reminder of how access to technology can spark a passion for learning and shape an entirely new future.

Another inspiring story comes from 16-year-old Fantayehonal Demesie, a Grade 7 student who has always been fascinated by numbers and problem-solving. Growing up in a community with limited educational resources, he often struggled to find the materials needed to deepen his understanding. That all changed when his school received Dell computers through Camara. For the first time, Fantayehonal had access to digital learning, opening up a world of new possibilities.

He eagerly explored advanced mathematics, coding, and problem-solving exercises, fueling his dream of becoming an engineer. With newfound determination and the power of technology, Fantayehonal now envisions designing infrastructure to improve his community. His story is a testament to how access to technology can transform a student’s future, turning dreams into achievable goals.

Bethlehem Meretue, a 13-year-old Grade 8 student, has a story just as inspiring. She has always been passionate about storytelling, but her small school lacked the resources to nurture her creativity. When Dell computers arrived through Camara, everything changed. Bethlehem discovered digital libraries filled with literature from around the world and spent hours honing her skills, writing poems and short stories.

With technology at her fingertips, Bethlehem’s confidence and ambition soared. She now dreams of becoming an author, sharing stories that inspire others. Her journey is a powerful example of how access to digital resources can empower students to discover and pursue their passions.

International Women’s Day – Celebrating Women at Camara Education

March 3, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara Girls' education Youth Skills & Development

International Women’s Day – Celebrating Women at Camara Education

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the experiences of the incredible women in our team.

Here is a short video featuring Haregewoin Ababu, our IT and Training Officer from Camara Education Ethiopia, where she shares her journey and insights as both a professional in the tech field and as a woman making an impact in education.

Technology Boosts Enrolment

February 19, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara ICT in Education Kenya

The Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Centre (MIVEC), a County Technical Training Institute, has witnessed a significant surge in student enrolment, largely driven by the introduction of new technology. The availability of computers and laptops, provided through the STEM STEPS Project, has made a remarkable impact, particularly on ICT courses.

Boniface Vundi, the Centre Manager, attributes this growth to the increased access to technology, which has opened new doors for learners. “We’ve seen an impressive 41.62% rise in ICT student enrolment this year,” Vundi said. “The availability of computers has made our institution more appealing to students who are eager to gain digital skills.”

The increase in ICT enrolment is not the only positive development at MIVEC. The overall number of students at the centre has also grown, with more learners from various disciplines now embracing technology in their coursework. “Access to computers was previously a limitation, but now, students have the resources for hands-on practice, which has encouraged those in other fields to take up ICT-related units,” added Vundi.

The impact of the new technology is also evident in the growing number of hours students are spending on computers. More time is being dedicated to digital learning, research, and skill development, further enhancing the academic experience. “With extended computer hours, our students can meet assignment deadlines, engage in online learning, and even develop personal projects,” Vundi stated. “This has truly been a game-changer for us.”

The STEM STEPS Project has proven essential in transforming technical training at MIVEC. As the role of technology in education continues to grow, the centre is committed to expanding its ICT infrastructure to meet the increasing demand. Vundi concluded, “Our goal is to equip students with practical digital skills that will prepare them for the job market. With continued support, we can create even more opportunities for young people in our county.”

Collaboration with Makueni County Government

February 18, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara Kenya Partnerships

In a move to strengthen the partnership and collaboration between Camara Education Kenya and Makueni County Government, Johnstone Muchiri, CEK Country Director recently visited the county, where he met with Governor – Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Member for Education, ICT and Internship – Elizabeth Muli. Also present at the meeting were James Jira, a Camara Technical Officer based in Makueni, and Madam Ruth Nditu, Chairlady of Board of Management of Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Centre (MIVEC), a center sponsored by Camara Education through its partnership with Dell Technologies under the STEM STEPS Project.

The visit underscored the commitment of both parties to strengthening their partnership and advancing the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between CEK and the Government of Makueni County (GMC) in 2023..

During the meeting, the stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance education in the county.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the collaboration’s transformative impact on education. Johnstone Muchiri emphasized that ICT integration is key to bridging learning gaps and preparing students for a tech-driven future. CECM Elizabeth Muli also underscored the importance of establishing an e-waste center in the county to ensure sustainable disposal of obsolete electronic devices, thereby promoting environmental conservation and responsible digital transformation.

This partnership positions Makueni as a leader in digital education, setting a precedent for future initiatives that foster innovation and inclusivity in learning.

Successful Digital Lab setups across Tanzania

February 13, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara Tanzania Youth Skills & Development

Successful Digital Lab setups across Tanzania.

2024 has been a truly remarkable year for Camara Education, particularly in our efforts to expand digital learning across Tanzania. We are thrilled to announce the successful setup of 24 new computer labs in schools, bringing vital access to digital education resources to thousands of students and teachers.

These newly established digital labs have already made a significant impact, providing 17,634 students and over 800 teachers with the tools and resources needed to enhance their learning and teaching experiences. With access to modern technology, students are now better equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world, while teachers have the opportunity to integrate innovative tools into their classrooms.

This initiative represents a crucial step forward in our mission to improve education through technology and lays a strong foundation for broader digital learning initiatives across Tanzania. As we continue to expand our reach, we look forward to seeing the long-lasting impact these labs will have on education in the region.

Partnership with Life Changing Technologies

January 30, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara Digital Literacy & Skills Ethiopia ICT in Education Teachers & Educators

Camara Education, in partnership with Life Changing Technologies (LCT), a project of DevXchange International (DI) , and the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Development Commission (EKHCDC), is currently implementing a five-year project initiative to support Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church schools (EKHC). There are over 250 EKHC-affiliated schools in Ethiopia, and this five-year project aims to support 4 in year one (2024) and an additional 35 until 2028.

In 2024, through funding from the LCT_EKHCDC Project, we have successfully implemented a digital learning programme in three schools: Bole Kale Heyiwet Secondary School in Addis Ababa, Rehoboth Secondary School in Arba Minch, and Enat Kale Heywet Secondary School in Humbo-Tebela.

Each school now has a fully equipped and networked Digital Learning Centre (DLC) with 35 workstations and Classroom Content Server PCs. The 3 schools received a total of 108 computers, which were installed in the DLC and 28 of which will be used in classrooms by teachers.

Projectors for the computers will also be installed in each classroom for the teachers’ lesson delivery.

The Camara computers provided to the schools are equipped with a wide range of applications and educational content, including virtual simulation, digital library, educational videos/audios, accessible content for students with special needs, and curriculum-relevant reference materials along with National Exam practice tests. These computers serve as powerful learning tools, especially in schools where physical resources like library books and science laboratories are scarce. Each computer also includes the entire Ministry of Education digital textbook collection, addressing the critical shortage of textbooks.

We have also deployed the Camara Learning Studio (CLS), a Learning Management System. CLS’s self-paced and personalised learning features enable students to progress at their own pace. It provides real-time data and feedback on learner progress, which allows teachers and instructional leaders to provide timely support, adjust the difficulty, content, and presentation of learning activities as needed based on individual student’s competencies, performance, preferences, and progress.

We have installed Camara’s CCNMS (Computer Classroom Network Monitoring System) in each of the DLCs. CCNMS provides a real-time understanding of the usage of the devices and contents within the DLC, which can be used to plan additional technical visits and provide additional support to schools. Using the data collected via CCNMS alongside the traditional methods of qualitative and quantitative M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) data collection can give much more information on the impact of the project.

The DLC will have a content filtering server. The content filtering firewall server helps to restrict adult and unwanted content and monitor internet usage for students and staff.

The students now have access to offline learning resources, opening up new opportunities and allowing them to learn in ways they couldn’t before. The project is expected to enable thousands of students to gain equal access to quality education and become digitally literate.

We also provided leadership and teacher training on Digital skills and integrating technology in education for 72 teachers and school leaders.

This is only the beginning of a bigger mission. The aim is to keep giving more schools the technology and resources they need and help students succeed.

Here are some pictures taken showing the DLC and a thank you video from students and teachers.

Together, we are making a difference and working to build a brighter future for education in Ethiopia.

THANK YOU!

We acknowledge that this project initiative, and its positive impact on students, teachers and the school community in general, would not have been possible without the LCT-EKHCDC’s ongoing commitment and funding support. We are extremely grateful for our partnership and hope to continue expanding this work to other schools with your support.

International Day of Education 2025

January 20, 2025

by Sean Miskelly Camara Digital Literacy & Skills Youth Skills & Development

On this International Day of Education, we reflect on the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation” and “Learning for Lasting Peace.” These two critical topics highlight the evolving role of education in a rapidly changing world, where technology and human potential must coexist harmoniously.

At Camara Education, we believe that the power of education lies not only in providing knowledge, but also in equipping young minds with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an increasingly automated world. As artificial intelligence and automation reshape industries, it is essential that we ensure education remains rooted in human agency—empowering students to make informed decisions, innovate, and lead in their communities and the global stage.

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In today’s world, this weapon must also be used to equip the next generation with the skills to thrive in the face of new challenges. By integrating digital tools and AI into education, we are helping students develop the competencies needed for future jobs and leadership roles while also preserving their ability to think critically, solve problems, and shape their own futures.

At Camara, we see the positive impact of this approach every day. Take, for example, Grace Pilli, a student at Chinika Secondary School in Zambia, whose ambition to study computer science and AI is supported by the digital learning tools made possible through the generosity of Lenovo and other vital partners. By providing access to technology, we are not only giving students like Grace the tools to succeed in their careers, but also fostering an environment where they can develop the ethical frameworks needed to use AI and technology responsibly.

Through these efforts, we are contributing to “Learning for Lasting Peace”, ensuring that education serves as a bridge, not a barrier, to understanding, cooperation, and collaboration in an interconnected world. Education remains the foundation for building resilient communities, fostering social harmony, and driving long-term peace. By equipping students with the skills and knowledge to navigate both the digital and physical worlds, we are helping them become responsible citizens who can engage in the global conversation on peace and development.

We are deeply grateful to our donors, foundations, and individual supporters, whose commitment to education is making this possible. Your support is enabling us to provide vital learning resources, empower students, and ensure that education remains a tool for positive change in an era of rapid technological advancement.

We also want to thank the dedicated Camara staff in each of the countries we serve, whose commitment and passion ensure that our work on the ground has a lasting impact, providing transformative education opportunities for students and teachers alike.

As we celebrate this day, we invite all of you to reflect on the power of education in shaping the future. Together, we can help preserve human agency, inspire peace, and empower the next generation to thrive in a world of both technology and humanity.