Parents across the country have been urged to make follow ups in schools to ensure their children access the Digital Learning Programme (DLP) that was rolled out by the government.
According to the Information Communication and Technology, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Katherine Getao, the DLP programme will go a long way in equipping the learners with ICT related skills as they grow.
Dr. Getao said that it was unfortunate that some primary schools had opted not to transform to the DLP programme hence compromising presidential bid to ensure the pupils were equipped with the skills.
“The President is always thinking on how our pupils will benefit, but it’s unfortunate that the computers that have been provided to our primary schools are not used and end up locked in cabinets. I urge you parents to visit the schools and ensure your children are being taught with the laptops,” said the CEO while
launching the Ajira program in Ol Kalou town, Nyandarua County.
She said the Information and Education ministries have trained teachers on how to use the computers as teaching aids and that there is no justification why the fail to use them.
The CEO who also oversaw the graduation of the first roll out of Ajira program trainees said lack of jobs was alarming in the world due to gradual changes and asked the youths in Nyandarua to lead by example in working online.
She urged them to ensure that they utilise the skills learnt and show honesty, diligence in work completion, noting it will help them secure jobs online.
The Nyandarua Governor, Francis Kimemia called on the government to increase ICT training centres from the current 4 centres to at least 7 to cover all the sub-counties.
Kimemia said that implementation of the programme had been hindered by poor network connectivity and internet fluctuations as well as low electricity connection in Nyandarua.
“Online digital platform has created job opportunities for thousands of young people. You must protect the integrity of our country when doing the jobs so that the employers can give us more jobs, we need to build the trust,” Kimemia told the graduates.
The Nyandarua North Deputy County Commissioner, Walter Ngaira who was representing the County Commissioner said that two thirds of Nyandarua population was youth hence the programme will be of benefit to many.
In 2016, the government rolled out the one laptop per child Digital Learning Programme which was meant to entrench ICT in teaching and learning in primary schools.
By David Njoroge
