Transforming life chances in Africa with technology
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.
Camara Education Kenya has awarded appreciation to selected schools in the STEM STEPS Towards Positive Futures project for their outstanding efforts in digital learning and ICT development.
The STEM STEPS project, a partnership between Camara Education and Technologies, is supporting multiple schools by providing desktops, servers, and laptops to enhance digital literacy. While all participating schools are making great strides in technology adoption, some schools have been recognized for their exceptional commitment to:
The awarded schools include:
Camara Education recognizes and appreciates the efforts of all schools participating in this initiative, as they continue to empower students with essential digital skills. Together, we are bridging the digital divide and creating a technology-driven future for learners.
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.
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.
We are pleased to share a short video featuring Grace Pilli, a promising student at Chinika Secondary School in Zambia. In this video, Grace discusses her aspirations to pursue a career in computer science and artificial intelligence (AI), fields that are increasingly vital in shaping the future of technology, innovation, and society. Grace’s ambition reflects the growing interest and potential of young people across Africa to become leaders in these transformative areas.
At Camara Education, we recognise the profound role that AI and digital skills will play in the future. This year, we are focusing on providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to engage with AI and other emerging technologies. By equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in a digital world, we are not only opening doors to future employment but also empowering them to create innovative solutions to the challenges facing their communities and the wider world.
Grace’s story is one of many that illustrates the impact of our work, made possible through the support of our generous partners, including Lenovo. Their contributions are vital in providing the digital learning tools and technology that allow students to access opportunities they might otherwise be denied. Donors like Lenovo play an essential role in helping us bridge the digital divide, ensuring that young people in underserved areas have access to the resources they need to succeed.
This year, as we focus on AI and its integration into education, we are also expanding our support for teachers. Teachers are at the heart of any education system, and their ability to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms is crucial for student success. Through training programmes, workshops, and access to digital resources, we are equipping teachers with the skills and support they need to effectively teach AI and other tech-driven subjects. By empowering educators, we ensure that students are not only gaining access to the tools they need but also benefiting from teachers who can guide them in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The work we do would not be possible without the continued collaboration and support of our donors, partners, and local staff. We are grateful to those who share our vision and make it a reality, whether through providing technology, funding, or expertise. Through these partnerships, we are creating lasting change in the lives of students and teachers alike, ensuring that education remains a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation.
Together, we can continue to invest in the future of young minds and teachers, particularly in AI and digital learning. By providing the necessary resources and support, we are helping students and educators alike realise their full potential and shape the future of technology, education, and society.
St. Lawrence Nziu Girls Secondary School in Kenya has made significant strides in integrating technology into its learning environment through the STEM STEPS Towards Positive Futures Project. This initiative, a collaboration between Camara Education and Dell Technologies, has equipped the school with 10 computers, a classroom server, and a laptop, providing a solid foundation for enhanced ICT learning. The school has further strengthened its digital capacity by purchasing an additional 10 computers from Camara Education Kenya, ensuring that every student has access to essential technology for their classroom studies.
For Mr. Stephen Makau, an ICT teacher at the school, the transformation has been remarkable. “Before Camara’s intervention, we had very few computers, and access to digital learning was limited. The demand for computer access far outweighed the resources we had, which hindered students’ ability to practise and engage fully with ICT lessons,” explains Mr. Makau. “Thanks to the STEM STEPS project, we now have enough computers to meet the needs of our students. The additional 10 computers we purchased have reduced the student-to-computer ratio, enabling more hands-on learning experiences.”
Mr. Bertrand Eshilache, another ICT teacher at St. Lawrence Nziu Girls, echoed this, noting the impact on Form 4 students preparing for their final exams. “With the additional computers, we are able to provide more lab time for our Form 4 students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their practical exams. The access to modern software and tools has improved their performance, and their confidence in ICT has grown significantly,” he says.
The school’s ICT program has become a central part of the learning experience, driving greater interest in digital literacy and preparing students for a future where technology plays a crucial role. “The shift has been significant. With more computers, we’ve been able to expand our curriculum and offer new learning opportunities, not just in ICT but across other subjects as well,” says Mr. Makau.
The journey towards making St. Lawrence Nziu Girls a hub of digital learning would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the teaching staff and the ongoing support from projects like STEM STEPS. Mr. Eshilache shared his hopes for the future, saying, “We envision our students becoming ICT-savvy individuals, ready to face the challenges of the modern workforce. We are committed to ensuring that technology continues to play a central role in education here.”
This combination of strategic donations and the school’s own investment in technology highlights St. Lawrence Nziu Girls’ commitment to empowering students through digital education. With teachers like Mr. Makau and Mr. Eshilache leading the way, the future of ICT learning at the school looks incredibly promising.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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…
At Camara Education Ethiopia, providing internships and volunteer opportunities is one of the key ways we nurture the next generation of digital changemakers. Each year, approximately 40 young people join Camara as interns and volunteers, bringing with them ambition, dedication, and an eagerness to learn. For some, it’s a stepping stone to fulfilling careers in technology, while for others, like Yoas Mulatu, it’s an opportunity to explore, challenge, and realise their dreams.
Yoas Mulatu, a 20-year-old Information Technology (IT) student at Kirokos Manufacturing College, exemplifies the transformative power of our internship program. Growing up with a fascination for computers, Yoas pursued an IT degree to turn her passion into a lifelong skill. This drive to learn and grow brought her to Camara, where her journey began with a school-organised group internship. Having heard positive feedback from former interns, she was excited to see firsthand what Camara’s program could offer.
A Hands-On Experience in IT
Since joining, Yoas has had an immersive experience with Camara, gaining practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. Her internship has been hands-on from the start, including tasks like installing educational operating systems, diagnosing and solving hardware issues, and maintaining school computers. For Yoas, each project is an opportunity to dive deeper into her chosen field, developing her expertise in the Ubuntu operating system and learning how to troubleshoot complex hardware problems. “Each task teaches me something new,” says Yoas, “whether it’s problem-solving or better understanding computer systems. This experience is not just about learning technical skills; it’s about growing into a confident IT professional.”
Beyond the technical aspects, Yoas has benefited from Camara’s collaborative and supportive environment. Our programs encourage interns and volunteers to connect, share ideas, and support one another, fostering an inclusive culture where young women and men feel empowered to lead and innovate. For Yoas, working with a diverse team has expanded her professional network and strengthened her communication skills, providing her with tools that are critical to succeeding in the tech industry.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Tech
One of the most rewarding aspects of Yoas’s journey has been the confidence she’s gained working in a male-dominated field. “Initially, I had little knowledge of computer internals or how to solve hardware issues,” Yoas reflects. “But over time, I’ve learned through hands-on experience, and now, I feel empowered to handle challenges I once thought were beyond my reach.” She’s particularly proud to be part of a team that champions diversity and encourages women in tech, which is critical for breaking down stereotypes and inspiring more young women to enter the field.
Yoas believes that the industry needs more women and girls, and her message to other aspiring female IT professionals is to pursue their dreams boldly. “In my classroom, the number of women is quite low, and the same is true in the IT field,” she says. “We need to change that by encouraging more girls to explore technology. We all have the potential to achieve great things if we leverage the tools and knowledge available to us.”
Looking to the Future
As Yoas is near her graduation, she has her sights set on a future that blends her passion for technology with her desire to give back to her community. She hopes to open a computer maintenance store, providing reliable, affordable tech support and creating a welcoming space for community members to learn about technology. Her vision includes building a platform that not only serves her community’s needs but also inspires young people—especially girls—to see tech as a field where they belong and can thrive.
Camara Education Ethiopia is proud to be part of Yoas’s journey, and her story is a testament to the power of hands-on learning, mentorship, and the resilience of young people ready to create positive change.
Are you inspired by Yoas’s journey? Camara Education Ethiopia is always looking for passionate volunteers and interns eager to make a difference. Join us, and be part of a team committed to transforming lives through technology, by sending us an email to ethiopia@camara.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Sometimes it is good to remind ourselves why we do the work we do, so here are some stories from users of our ICT club at Ganze Girls School in Ganza, southern Kenya.
“I would like to thank STEM STEPS with all my heart for the impact you have made in my life and the lives of all the other girls in my school. Today, I am a member of the school ICT club to mould me through its quality education and also through the well-designed activities. My gratitude is extended to my ICT teacher and the club patron, Mwanahamisi Kahindi who taught us wholeheartedly and spent many hours helping us to gel into the ICT Club. I am currently a form 4 student having a dream to become a Database Analyst. I would not be able to say this if it were not for the seed patiently sown in me, which is already bearing fruit. Thank you for your love and support Camara Education and Technologies.”
“When I joined the ICT club, I was kind of scared about technology because I thought I would mess up and look dumb. My teacher developed an Individualised Technology Education Plan which outlined some goals for me. We started with easy technologies, added some frequencies that I would use and now I am using all the technology like all the other students. I’m not scared of learning new things anymore and the skills and technologies I’m learning are looking awesome on my Studies. Thank you Camara and Dell for the positive futures empowerment for upgrading the lab and supporting the clubs”
“I taught in a traditional classroom and always tried to use technology. However, the technology and training provided by Camara Education and Dell Technologies improved my teaching skills to align with the technology. At the school, we successfully set up an ICT Club and the computers provided have excellent ICT professional development. Our students have grown academically by working with ICT equipment. The ICT Club continues to grow and succeed in this school. Students can view both online and offline club activities on the computers and I provide them with more stuff for more information and assign them with activities, where I can monitor their progress. The activities give immediate feedback, we take a short review period to make sure all the Club members are mastering the concepts, and then move on to ICT-based learning in individual, small and whole group activities using the information and technology presented.”
