My name is James Munga Jira, and I am a Technical Officer at Camara Education Kenya. When I first joined CEK in 2014 (as an IT intern, right before my last semester in college), I had little to no experience using computers in a real-world work environment. I enjoyed working with the technical team to resolve challenges and develop IT solutions to support schools in teaching and learning. I became passionate about technology and education. I realised that technology is a powerful tool that could help transform learning environments, especially in underserved communities in Africa. This realisation deepened my commitment to making a difference, and after completing the internship, I decided to volunteer for 6 months to learn and contribute more and be part of an organisation that could create lasting change.
My dedication paid off when I was considered for full-time employment as a Technical Officer and attached to the iMlango project, an initiative that supported 205 public primary schools with digital tools and devices including networked computer labs and educational content across 4 counties in Kenya between 2015-2021. My role was to:
- Ensure the proper installation, configuration, and maintenance of computers and networked computer labs across 205 public primary schools.
- Manage and maintain an inventory of all computers and related devices in the school labs in Makueni. This included keeping records of the number, condition, and location of the equipment, as well as overseeing regular updates of the inventory.
- Monitor the performance and lifespan of the computers and recommend or coordinate the replacement of faulty or outdated equipment to ensure the labs remain functional and up-to-date.
- Oversee the network infrastructure to ensure the seamless delivery of educational content, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure consistent connectivity.
- Regularly assess the performance of the systems, gather feedback from schools, and provide reports on technical issues, inventory status, and overall progress to ensure continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with school leadership, government officials, and project partners to facilitate the smooth implementation and operational support of the digital education initiative across Makueni County.
This deepened my expertise in ICT support, systems management, maintenance, resource tracking, and problem-solving skills, and built strong communication and coordination skills. I enjoyed being part of a team that was making such a significant impact by helping schools integrate technology into their classrooms and seeing the positive results in pupils’ lives.
Ten years later, my journey with Camara Education Kenya continues, and my passion for education and technology remains as strong as ever. Currently, I am providing technical support to 14 public secondary schools, 3 County Technical Training Centres, and 1 Community Information Center in Makueni County under the STEM STEPS Towards Positive Futures Project, a partnership between Camara Education and Dell Technologies to advance STEM education and digital skills.
I am proud to be part of an organisation that continues to shape the future of young learners by helping schools integrate ICT into teaching and learning, and through innovative technology solutions.