The Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), in collaboration with the County Government of Samburu and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, has launched an ambitious digital literacy program aimed at transforming education in Samburu County.
The initiative, part of the Advancing Computing Schools Project, is equipping students in Grades 4 to 9 with critical digital skills and fostering innovation in classrooms, even in remote areas with limited connectivity.
On September 11, FCDC kicked off the program with a courtesy visit to the County Director of Education and the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education in Maralal.
The delegation then visited three schools: Lkuroto, St. Paul’s, and Tamiyoi, all established between 1975 and 1985, to assess the progress of the initiative.
“It was inspiring to see their curiosity and energy as they engaged in digital literacy and problem-solving activities. These young minds are the true drivers of transformation,” FCDC stated.
The Advancing Computing Schools Project, supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, focuses on integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the curriculum for Grades 4 to 9.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation’s commitment to advancing computing education has been instrumental in bringing tailored lesson notes and guides to classrooms across Frontier Counties, including Samburu.
“This program advancing digital literacy… is proudly supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, whose commitment to advancing computing education has made it possible to reach classrooms across Frontier Counties,” FCDC noted.
In addition to student-focused activities, the initiative includes a robust Teachers’ Digital Training Programme facilitated by FCDC and the Samburu County Government.
Teachers have been provided with offline digital teaching tools, laptops, and tailor-made guides aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), designed to function effectively in low-connectivity environments.
“Teachers also received offline digital teaching tools, laptops, and tailor-made CBC-aligned guides perfect for even the most remote low-connectivity classrooms,” the Samburu County Government stated.
During the school visits, the joint team observed that school management and teachers are actively integrating ICT into learning, leveraging the resources provided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
The success of the program is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders.
“The remarkable progress has been made courtesy of efforts from the Ministry of Education, the County Government of Samburu, Raspberry Pi Foundation, dedicated county trainers, and teachers,” the Samburu County Government emphasized.
The initiative is already showing promising results, with schools like Lkuroto, St. Paul’s, and Tamiyoi leading the way in adopting digital learning tools.
As Samburu County continues to embrace digital transformation, the Advancing Computing Schools Project is poised to empower a new generation of learners, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.
With ongoing support from FCDC, the county government, and partners like the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Samburu’s students are set to become the true drivers of innovation and progress in the region.