Airtel FREE Internet for Schools Program connects 23 schools in Machakos County
The Airtel Free internet for schools program is now in Machakos county. The program was launched yesterday at Machakos Boys High School led by ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru and will see 23 schools in the county connected to free internet.
Speaking during the launch, the Cabinet Secretary lauded Airtel for the Free Internet for Schools Program and its commitment to support e-learning in schools.
“I am very pleased to be launching this program in Machakos County. I would also like to appreciate the fact that Airtel is making tremendous contributions in the integration of ICT in the Education sector in Kenya through this program. In our times, we did not get to use Internet when we were schooling. As the world continues to change, more and more schools all over the world are turning to the Internet for learning resources. This is what Airtel’s FREE Internet for Schools program is giving our own students here in Kenya. With this privilege, I want to urge students to continue using the free connectivity constructively in order to be successful in their education”, said Joe Mucheru.
The 23 schools connected today in Machakos County join another 167 institutions and 250,000 students in 31 other Counties across Kenya that have benefited from the Airtel FREE Internet for Schools Program which was launched in 2014. Airtel says it intends to reach 1 million students in all Counties across the country by the end of 2016.
The Cabinet Secretary said access to the Internet is very important in the current education system as it gives students the opportunity to have access to unlimited amount of information available online.
“The high speed Internet connectivity that we continue to provide through our Airtel FREE Internet for Schools program guarantees students limitless new educational opportunities. We strongly believe that through our program, we are giving learners the freedom to connect to the world of information, helping them to learn better and open up a new world of opportunities for their future.” Said Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi
He added that Airtel remains committed to the development of Information Technology in Kenya and empowerment of the Kenyan youth with knowledge and skill required to achieve their potential and thrive in this global age.
The launch event was also attended by Principal Secretaries Eng. Victor Kyalo (ICT & Innovation) and Sammy Itemere (Broadcasting & Telecommunications), Machakos County ICT Minister Hellen Kiilu among other top government and education officials from the County.
