Three schools in Butula Subcounty have benefited from a digital literacy programme following a partnership between the constituency through area MP Joseph Oyula and Taiwan Tech, which saw the schools receive 35 computers and learning modules.
The programme, which targets to equip Kenyan learners with modern IT knowledge, will see students within Butula enjoy E- learning from experts trained by Taiwan Tech.
Butula Boys, Bukhalalire Boys, and Bukhuyi Mixed were selected to be model schools for IT and will hence act as resource centres for benchmarking by other schools in Busia County on matters of computer technology.
Speaking at Bukhalalire Boys, Butula MP Joseph Mayero Oyula lauded the initiative, saying it’s an excellent undertaking that will help bridge the digital skill gap by equipping youths in Butula with the tools they need to thrive in this digital age.
“We are living in a digital age, and our children deserve the best opportunities to learn and grow in line with global needs. By supporting this kind of initiative, we aim to propel them to meet the demand of education wholesomely and the job market,” said MP Oyula.
The volunteers from Taiwan Tech, led by Vincent Wang, attributed the partnership to the demand for digital education in primary and secondary schools in Kenya, which has seen schools in Nyeri and Busia counties benefit from the partnership.
Beside digital literacy, another integral aspect of this endeavour is the cultural interchange between Taiwan and Kenya, where learners are able to enjoy language, food, and lifestyle.
“We are here on the invitation of the area MP to access the level of digital competency among students, and that is why we are more than willing to be partners in this journey of empowering Kenyan learners with digital skills,” said Wang.
He added that, “We have seen passionate learners, which is an encouraging factor in any partnership. Across the world, there is a huge demand for digital skills, which dictates the necessity of such skills.”
School heads who will pioneer the programme led by Didimo Mukati, School Principal Bukhalaire Boys, applauded the move by Oyula to fast-track technology among learners.
“Digital technologies provide opportunities for children to enjoy numerous rights, including the right to education, which is fundamental to the improved well-being of children,” said Mukati.
The teachers have lauded the programme, terming it a game changer in addressing e-learning, which helps address the acute shortage of teachers being witnessed in many schools across the country.
By Absalom Namwalo
