Mwalimu Digital Program to provide teachers with computers at low interest loans
Mwalimu National Sacco has launched a new initiative to digitize and improve service delivery in the country’s education sector. Dubbed ‘’ Mwalimu Digital ’’ the initiative will provide teachers in Kenya with low interest and friendly loans to acquire computers.
The Sacco has partnered with Intel Corporation, Microsoft, Lenovo, Total Solutions, Safaricom and smartphone manufacturer TECNO to drive this initiative. They say the program is expected to complement the Teachers Service Commission’s Digital Transformation of schools.
Speaking during the launch, Mwalimu National Sacco CEO, Robert Shibutse said the campaign will support Government’s efforts on Digital Literacy Project . “The programme we are launching today will enable Mwalimu National complement the Government’s efforts on Digital Literacy Project by reducing affordability barriers for teachers in Kenya to acquire their own devices and become digital professionals,”
Under this program, Mwalimu National Sacco members will enjoy discounted prices on a number of Lenovo laptops and the 2in1 TECNO Winpad. In addition, they will have access loans from the Sacco with monthly repayments that start as low as KES 1019. The laptops will also come bundled with free Microsoft Office 365 for 1 Year, extended warranties, and digital teacher content from Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). The Lenovo laptops’ offer will be exclusively available at Nakumatt Supermarkets countrywide while the TECNO Winpad 10 offer will only be available at Safaricom shops countrywide.
“As part of our strategy in Africa, Intel is committed to supporting programs that accelerate technology adoption by enabling more people to access affordable and relevant technologies. We have initiated this program with Mwalimu National Sacco with the objective of getting more teachers connected and empowered with digital skills. While the world is transforming to a digital village, the classrooms in Africa are yet to catch up. We believe Mwalimu Digital program is going to empower teachers to prepare students for the 21st century workplace where ICT is now becoming mainstream”. Intel Corporation’s General Manager for East Africa, Danie Steyn said.
Already, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with partners such as Safaricom, UNICEF, Intel and Kenya Institute of Education have embarked on rolling out an e-learning program in Kenyan schools. They are doing this through support on building the infrastructure, capacity building the stakeholders and developing digital curriculum support materials for the schools, to enable the teaching and learning activities be carried out using technology.
Shibutse said ICT has the potential to bridge the knowledge gap in terms of improving quality of education, increasing the quantity of quality educational opportunities, making knowledge building possible through borderless and boundless accessibility to resources and people and reaching populations in remote areas to satisfy their basic right to education.
