Most students in Tanzania, and especially those in rural areas, do not have access to computers or the internet, placing them at a disadvantage in the job market and for computer specific career paths.

Understanding the Issue:

Schools without computers and printers are also at a disadvantage because they must use hunderds of dollars of scarce funds each year to hire a service to prepare their mandatory school examindations. A computer, printer, and photocopier would allow Kwala Secondary School to save money by preparing their own examinations each year.

Community Solution:

In 2008 and 2009, NTC provided Kwala Secondary School with two computers, one for offical school use (including exam preparation and school record keeping), and another for use in the school’s new library. Further, NTC provided the school with a printer and photocopier to allow the school to print and copy national exams. Not having to hire a service to prepare exams allowed the school to hire a computer-trained secretary to type exams and keep school records. Finally, NTC provided Kwala Secondary School with internet access, making the school the first government secondary school in Tanzania with internet access.

The next steps for Kwala Secondary School is to purchase computers for student use. With NTC Project Director Lisa Walker on the ground in Kwala throughout the 2010 school year, students can sign up for computer training classes with Lisa, giving them an advantage in a competitive job market after graduating from secondary school. Additionally, students accessing the internet will be able to more regularly and easily communicate with their student friends in Newton, enhancing NTC’s cultural exchange programs between the two communities.

Fundraising Goal: $2,000.00 for six computers and a computer lab.