Teachers, village leaders in rural Kenya receiving computer training

HURUMA has begun offering computer training courses to community and village leaders.  Twelve leaders, many of them teachers at a nearby public school in rural Kenya, are currently recieving the classes.  They will be the first group of teachers in the entire public school district to to learn how to access the internet.  The single computer is located in the HURUMA office, and the Internet is run through a mobile phone.

“[This] exchange of information . . . will be the beginning point of improving the academic performance of Gakwegori School,” said HURUMA Director Aloys Kamwithi.  Until now, many residents of the village have not be exposed to computers and even books are rare.  This opportunity will allow for a more abundant exchange of information.

None of the public schools in Embu, where Tenri School is located, have any computers; many of them do not even have running water or electricity.  This stark comparison shows the magnitude of the educational crisis going on the village. ”Huruma is doing something; work for change has begun,” says Kamwithi.

Kenyan, US students connect as pen-pals

HURUMA students attending Tenri School in rural Kenya are now exchanging correspondence with pen-pals from Brookpark Memorial Elementary School in Brookpark, Ohio (USA).  The letters are part of a new program developed by the organization and the schools to expose the students to unfamiliar cultures. Though the program is just a few months old, HURUMA has already received interest from others, both young and old, eager in corresponding with new friends thousands of miles away.

Below is a sample of letters exchanged between Doris in Kenya and Sean in the USA:

From Doris to Sean:

Dear Sean,

How are you?  I hope you are fine.  Am doing quiet well here at school.  I am ten  years old and am a girl and am also in class four.  I wish you are doing well in your school.  We have done our result of pre-end exams and I am number three with 21 marks.  I am doing well in school.  I obey our teachers and parents.  I am a good pupil.  In our school we do exercise like swimming, sports, computer.  I like swimming and computer so much.  We are closing our school on 30th of March.  In our class I am like a giant because I always top.  I am obedient, honest and a politely girl.  When am talking I use polite language. I am a God fearing child.  I obey his commands.  I learn five subjects eg:  Mathematics, English, Science, Kiswahili, Social Studies and CRE.  I also learn Japanese language like hono is nose.  Kakimasu is to write, yomimasu is to read and other good things in our school.  In our school we have clubs like drammar, and bible club.  We also have scouts.  I enjoy my school.  I love it so much.  I wish you the best time in your school.  Hoping to hear from you.  I wish to meet you.

From your lovely pal, Doris

From Sean to Doris:

Dear Doris,

It was so nice to hear from you. When I last wrote to you it was cold and snowy.  Now the weather is hot and it is like you need water every second.  What is the temperature in Embu?  In one week it is my birthday I just returned from a 10 day break.  I whatched my big brother because he was sick.  I hope he feel’s better.  In school we are getting ready for a test.  The whole state of Ohio takes it.  We’ll take a reading and math test.  Do you take big test?  I can’t wait to hear from you again.

Sincerely, Sean