New Center in Kitui, Kenia

Kitui, a region in eastern Kenya, faces significant structural challenges, including limited access to quality education, inadequate infrastructure, and high unemployment rates. Many residents lack the skills and resources necessary to thrive in the modern economy. Despite its potential, Kitui struggles to provide young people with the educational opportunities they need to build a brighter future. Addressing these systemic issues requires innovative solutions that bridge the gap between local resources and global knowledge.

From August 14th to 19th, our team from the Liberating Education Organization, consisting of six members, collaborated with around 15 local volunteers at the Lions Pelena Academy in Kitui. Together, we established a new hybrid education center, a critical step in empowering the local community through digital education and entrepreneurial training.

We equipped the center with approximately 25 modern, refurbished computers, complete with monitors, keyboards, and mice. Additionally, we installed a projector and a laptop for instructors, along with several administrative devices to support the center’s daily operations. The facility is connected to the internet via Starlink, ensuring reliable, high-speed access to global educational resources.

One of the primary challenges during the setup was the inadequate power supply, which could not support the needs of the newly installed equipment. However, thanks to the swift and resourceful efforts of local supporters, the power infrastructure was promptly expanded to accommodate the center’s demands. This collaboration between our team and the local community was a testament to the shared commitment to improving education in the region.

The hybrid education center was officially opened with a grand ceremony, attended by our partners from Lions, local leaders, and members of the community. The event was covered by local TV stations, marking the beginning of a new chapter for education in Kitui.

Currently, 25 young individuals are participating in our university-level courses, which will provide them with knowledge and skills to improve their livelihoods. Among them are teachers who will later take on the responsibility of running the center and mentoring future students. When not in use for our courses, the computers will be utilized for general computer literacy classes, helping even more students gain essential digital skills.

With this center, we aim to contribute to the development of Kitui by addressing the region's key structural challenges. By enhancing access to education and promoting entrepreneurship, we believe we can play a role in reducing unemployment and fostering sustainable growth. Education equips individuals with the skills they need to start businesses, create jobs, and solve local problems, ultimately building a stronger community.

Through this initiative, the Liberating Education Organization seeks to plant the seeds of lasting change in Kitui, empowering a new generation of leaders and innovators.

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