After successfully training more than 800 students in essential digital skills, we are excited to take the next step, expanding into digital maintenance training.
At Luagala Secondary School in Tanzania, students are now learning how to maintain their computer lab, troubleshoot basic technical issues, and keep their Digital Learning Centre running smoothly, with guidance and support from their teachers. This shift empowers young people not only to use technology, but also to understand it.
Our Digital Learning Centre is far more than a room filled with equipment, it is a dynamic space where learners build confidence, gain practical skills, and prepare for a future shaped by digital opportunities. From basic digital literacy to hands-on ICT maintenance, students are developing the knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
We are proud to contribute to this effort and thankful to all who remain committed to advancing digital education in Tanzania.
In partnership with Tír Na nÓg, Camara Education Tanzania has transformed learning at Kao la Amani Primary School by providing 40 tablets, servers, Wi-Fi, and offline learning resources. This initiative is empowering 227 pupils and 14 teachers with essential 21st-century digital skills.
From teacher training to hands-on ICT sessions for students, the project is creating a foundation for inclusive, engaging, and modern education, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in a digital world.
This is more than technology; it’s a step toward equitable, future-ready education for all in Tanzania.
We are proud to celebrate an important milestone, Dayani, our Country Manager at Camara Education Tanzania has been part of Camara Education Tanzania for 10 years.
Reflecting on this time, Dayani shared:
“”It has been an incredible journey over the past decade, and I feel truly grateful to be part of Camara’s mission to transform education through technology.
The support and collaboration from the entire Camara team have made this work both meaningful and impactful. I look forward to continuing this journey together and to contributing even more to the lives of teachers, students, and communities in Tanzania and beyond.”
Dayani’s dedication and expertise have been key to our growth and impact. Please join us in congratulating him on this achievement.
At Camara Education, we believe the future of tech is diverse and it starts here.
Every week, girls in our ongoing ICT Club in Tanzania dive into hands-on digital learning, peer-to-peer collaboration, and inspiring mentorship. They’re not just building tech skills, they’re building confidence, ambition, and a vision for a future in STEM.
This incredible initiative, made possible through the generous support of the Coles Medlock Foundation, is helping to bridge the gender gap in tech, one session at a time. We are truly grateful for their partnership, which continues to empower the next generation of female tech leaders and changemakers, and we are thrilled to witness these young innovators grow.
Recap of the recently launched Digital Learning Centre at Igogwe Secondary School in Ilemela, Mwanza, Tanzania. This was made possible through the generous support from Helios Towers.
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.
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.
This past February 2024, a dynamic group of nine women from England and Ireland embarked on an unforgettable fundraising journey to Tanzania. WAGE (Women Advocating for Girls’ Empowerment) was a passionate initiative devoted to enhancing educational resources for girls in Tanzania. United by a shared vision, hailing from Ireland and England, they brought together their mix of talents and backgrounds—from healthcare professionals to savvy businesswomen and finance experts, from seasoned professionals still navigating corporate careers to others bravely stepping into new chapters, ready to channel their energy into meaningful change. Regardless of background, they were united by a fiery commitment to help those less fortunate, especially girls denied educational opportunities they themselves had been fortunate enough to receive.
With a clear focus on bridging the digital divide in Tanzanian schools, WAGE set their sights on establishing fully functional Digital Learning Centres (DLCs) in six schools across the country. They teamed up with Camara Education, our charity renowned for transforming lives through technology since 2005, to gather ideas for fundraising and identify schools where their contribution would be most meaningful. Their goal was ambitious: to co-fund a DLC for each school. As the days drew close, their enthusiasm was infectious, with fundraising activities ranging from drama and music nights to poetry readings and contributions from their own pockets. Their campaign became creative, compelling, and, best of all, successful.
Their much-anticipated trip to Tanzania was not just a chance to visit the schools; it was an opportunity to connect with the students and teachers whose lives they aimed to change. It was also a chance for the group to meet each other in person, many for the first time.
Aboud Jumbe Secondary School: A Success Story
One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to Aboud Jumbe Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, the school sponsored by Alison. The official opening of the new computer lab was an emotional event, marked by the presence of the local mayor, who joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local TV crews captured the moment as students proudly showcased their cultural heritage with traditional dance performances. Irish and English singing and dancing joined in spontaneously, creating a beautiful cultural blend.
This ceremony was a powerful realisation of the impact WAGE had made; months of fundraising had transformed into tangible results. The sight of students eager to learn in their new digital space was deeply moving. Since the establishment of the lab, Aboud Jumbe has seen a dramatic increase in Information and Communication Studies (ICS) enrollment, soaring from just 5 students to 373. This surge underscores the newfound interest and accessibility for digital education, which had previously been severely limited. Additionally, 35 teachers, including 19 female educators, received training in digital literacy, further promoting gender equity in education and technology.
The WAGE impact rippled across the five other schools due to receiving DLCs. Improved access to computers and digital learning materials means these schools are now better equipped to impart essential skills, fostering a generation of students ready to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
A Cultural Exchange Through Music
The spirit of collaboration didn’t end with the computer labs. WAGE’s talented (and less talented but eager) musicians, led by Louise, brought an extra layer of excitement to the trip, blending their musical talents with those of Tanzanian students and teachers. In a lively exchange, they mixed song and dance, exploring common ground through music. They played the piano, danced traditional reels, and even sang “Molly Malone” and “Jingle Bells”—creating a joyful atmosphere of camaraderie. This vibrant cultural exchange highlighted the universal language of music and the bonds it can create.
Beyond the Work
However, the trip to Tanzania was not solely focused on work; the group also seized the opportunity to explore the country’s breathtaking natural beauty. They embarked on a well-organised safari, immersing themselves in the vibrant wildlife by day and unwinding in cosy tents at night. This adventure offered a well-deserved break and allowed them to bond further, deepening their connection to both the cause and the stunning land they were supporting.
Some members even extended their travels, with a few departing for the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, while others headed off to Zambia and Malawi for further teaching and training opportunities, or simply to relax and reflect on their experiences. Meanwhile, others returned home, ready to continue their commitments, enriched by the journey.
Conclusion
WAGE’s efforts, alongside the collaboration with Camara Education, will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on students and teachers across Tanzania. Camara continues to transform lives by bridging the digital divide and empowering a new generation with essential digital skills. This project stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the profound difference dedicated individuals can make in communities around the world. The spirit of WAGE and their adventure will echo in the hearts of those they have touched, leaving a legacy of hope and empowerment for years to come.
It was truly an honour for them to be part of WAGE, as the experience of fundraising, planning, and witnessing the joy that hope brings to young girls has transformed each member in ways they will carry with them forever.
Thank you, Camara Education, for the opportunity to make a difference.
From Louise Burke, Alison Dunne, Avril Dwyer, Dara Lynch, Fiona McNicholas, Maura O’Donnell, Ellen O’Sullivan, Orla Sheehan & Ann Tobin
Thank you on behalf of Camara Education
On behalf of Camara Education, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Women Advocating for Girls’ Empowerment (WAGE) group for their extraordinary dedication and impactful fundraising efforts in Tanzania. Your commitment to enhancing educational resources for girls has resulted in the establishment of Digital Learning Centres in six schools, empowering countless students and teachers with vital digital skills. Thank you for your passion, creativity, and collaborative spirit; you have inspired a generation and left a lasting legacy and empowerment in the communities you touched. Together, we are transforming lives through education, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.
When passionate people come together with a shared vision, remarkable things happen. If you’re inspired by this story and want to be part of empowering real change, see how you can support below…
We’re excited to share the news of a transformative project at Endevesi Secondary School, nestled in a remote part of Maasai land, 30 km from Arusha town. Thanks to the incredible support of Helios Towers Tanzania and Camara Education Tanzania, we’ve successfully launched a fully equipped computer lab with 26 computers, opening up a world of digital possibilities for the school’s 535 students and 20 teachers.
In areas like Maasai land, access to technology is often limited, with many students encountering a computer for the very first time. Naresha Ole Mollel, a student at Endevesi, shared her excitement: “This computer lab has opened up new possibilities for me. Before, I never had the chance to use a computer, but now I can learn and explore so much. It makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger.”
This initiative is more than just about access to computers. It’s about empowering a new generation of students with essential ICT skills that will open doors to better educational outcomes and greater employment opportunities. We’re working to bridge the digital divide in rural and underserved communities, ensuring that students in remote regions aren’t left behind in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
The Endevesi Secondary School project marks a significant milestone for the region. By integrating digital learning into the school curriculum, we’re giving both students and teachers the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. With this, we aim to inspire a ripple effect of positive change, not only within the school but across the entire Maasai community.
We’re incredibly proud of the difference this project is already making, and we look forward to seeing the long-term impact it will have on the lives of these young learners. This lab is just one step in our broader mission to support digital education across Tanzania and beyond, but it’s a vital one.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. Together, we are shaping brighter futures, one computer at a time.
Celebrating World Youth Skills Day with Camara Education
World Youth Skills Day was founded to celebrate the importance of providing young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. At Camara, we believe that equipping youth with digital skills and knowledge is central to unlocking their full potential and driving positive change in their communities. It is at the heart of everything we do, but exemplified in particular by two programmes: our internships in Kenya, and our Youth Digital Skills course in Tanzania.
Internships in Kenya
Camara Kenya’s Internship programme is a 3-month course designed to equip participants with hands-on ICT skills in a real- world work environment. The initiative attracts students in various IT disciplines from universities and colleges across the country. The participants are based in our Mombasa Hub for day-to-day training and also undertake fieldwork activities in our local schools. The programme has supported almost 600 students to date, 40 of them in 2023.
By the end of the course, students have mastered vital skills including network setup and configuration, software installation & administration, and PC/laptop troubleshooting and repair. They are also taught soft skills such as marketing and how to conduct themselves in the workplace. These in-demand techniques place them ahead of the competition in the job market and help them explore opportunities for self-employment.
Tanzania – YDS
Camara Tanzania recently completed a successful pilot of its Youth Digital Skills As a result, 12 youths have been equipped with the essential digital skills needed in today’s workplace. The programme offered new opportunities for individuals in Dar es Salaam who had previously faced challenges in accessing education or employment.
Among the participants, six have already secured direct employment opportunities with national companies, while others have embraced freelancing as a livelihood. We are thrilled with the outcome of this pilot project and hope to roll out an even better version in the future, based on what we have learnt.
Graduate Testimonies
21-year-old Janeth George successfully completed the YDS course in Tanzania, and it has literally changed her life:
“Thanks to the Youth Digital Skills Program, I am now employed by Dospects Studio. My family believed in marriage, and I struggled to break free from that expectation due to financial dependence on them. But now, after completing the programme, I have gained employable skills and managed to get work. Many thanks to Camara Education, Tanzania.”
Janeth George (on left)Everlyne Mkabili
Everlyne Mkabili is currently interning with Camara Kenya:
“I am a student from Kenya Coast National Polytechnic pursuing a Diploma in Information Communication Technology. I am currently enrolled as an intern at Camara Education Kenya, a charity that provides computers, teacher training, and innovative learning programs to schools across Africa.
I came to know Camara through a teacher at Ribe Girl’s High School – I received three offers of attachments but the teacher advised me to select Camara since it was the best.
From the very start of the attachment, the learning environment has been friendly and understanding and the skills I have learned so far are top-notch. Among other things, I have learned how to dismantle and assemble all the external and internal parts of a PC; how to install various operating systems to different PCs; how to troubleshoot by running diagnostics; and how to make storage devices bootable.
With these few but important skills, I have been able to help a computer teacher at Ribe Girls’ High School solve a problem with one of his computers that had stopped working (the computer was not powering on, and if it was powering on, there was no display). I gave a solution to this scenario by asking him to remove the PC RAM sticks and clean them, as well as the RAM slots. I also asked him to check the power cable supplying power to the motherboard. After a few minutes, I received feedback from the same teacher, who happily explained to me that the directives I gave him worked successfully.
As we continue with this program, my hope is to gain more skills so that I can use them to build my future career as an IT Support Specialist.”
Irene Gabriel is a Graphic Design graduate of the YDS Program in Tanzania. She said:
“Before starting the training, I aspired to be a soldier, but that path wasn’t accessible. This program became a way for me to acquire additional skills. Now, my ambition is to excel as a graphics designer, leveraging the skills I’ve obtained.”
Irene GabrielKelvin Kirimi Mutuma
Kelvin Kirimi Mutuma, a former student at the Star Institute of Professionals, completed Camara Kenya’s internship programme in 2022 and is currently working at Erido Computer Solutions in Mombasa. He said:
“I was born and raised in the outskirts of Mombasa, in a place called Meru, 27 years ago. Growing up in a humble background, my parents did just enough to provide shelter and basic education. It never crossed my mind that one day I would be among the best technicians in the city.
My journey as a technician started in 2022 after completing my Diploma in ICT and CISCO Networking course at Star Institute of Professionals. At the end of my course, I heard about Internship programs at Camara Education Kenya and decided to join. Looking back, I am glad I made the decision – this is where I expanded my knowledge base and garnered experience, which has proved to be invaluable. The team of experts at Camara Kenya is more than willing to help young men and women cross the gap between school graduation and the job market.
Camara Education Kenya equips interns with skills to navigate the job market. While interning at Camara, I had the opportunity to put into practice what I had learned in school. I did all this without the fear of making mistakes since the experts at Camara encouraged us not to fear mistakes but instead to embrace and learn from them. The trainers at Camara allowed us to tag along for field work. The number of trips I made to schools within Mombasa County for computer maintenance and networking is countless. This exposure has jumpstarted my career as a networking and computer technician at Erido Computer Solutions.
At Erido, I have undertaken different roles including computer repair, CCTV installation and maintenance, as well as being a sales agent. All this is a result of the interpersonal skills I gained from Camara Education Kenya, which have enabled me to navigate the job market efficiently.
Today, I pride myself on being among the best computer and networking technicians, courtesy of Camara Education Kenya. Thank you, Camara, for the opportunity to train with you and help kickstart my career.”
