CPSK logoComputers for Primary Schools Kenya

CPSK (Computers for Primary Schools Kenya) is a UK based charity that sets up computer labs in non-fee paying primary schools in the Mombasa region of Kenya. The request for a volunteer came as a result of a chance conversation on a train between one of our project definers, Peter Munro, and Veronica Ashby of CPSK. This project turned out to be an interesting and challenging opportunity to help develop IT skills and capabilities for pupils and teachers in Kenya.

Children at Makupa Primary School

Children at Makupa Primary School

Networking in Kenya

The charity had bought and installed new network-ready PCs and a range of software linked to the Kenyan syllabus and wanted to network the computers inside the labs to enhance their capabilities and to ease the teaching burden.

One of the computer labs had 15 PCs, six other schools' computer labs each had 10 PCs, and CPSK were working to raise money to equip a lab in the remaining school.

Ethernet networking equipment and cabling was donated by a UK company, but no software or servers had been obtained.

Veronica Ashby contacted iT4Communities looking for a volunteer or volunteers to advise what networking software was needed, identify other equipment and guide the charity in buying it for the computer labs that were to be networked.

Local staff were on hand to help with some of the work; however, the volunteer(s) needed to train and supervise them, and check their work.

The volunteer(s) were required to fly out to Kenya and set up the server(s), install the cabling, and network one or more computer labs.

But the charity was not able to afford the cost of flights to Kenya or the cost of a hotel, so any volunteers who committed to working on the project had to bear the costs themselves (estimated at £500 to £800 for flights - plus two weeks' accommodation).

Offers of Help Flood In

Well not quite. It did take a quite a few months and several mentions in the iT4Communities Volunteer Newsletter before iT4Communities volunteer Vincent Taylor contacted CPSK and offered to help.

Vincent Taylor setting up systems at Makande Primary School

Vincent Taylor setting up systems at Makande Primary School

Worth the Wait

Vincent offered to take on the role of IT Consultant. He went out to Kenya in June 2009 and spent two weeks setting up Ncomputing Systems in four of the new schools in the Island District of Mombasa. Vincent also helped to load the anti-virus and educational software programs.

Veronica Ashby of CPSK said, "Without Vincent's expertise the computer labs would not have been set up. 2000 pupils have benefited from having access to computers and the educational software installed. Teachers in the schools are becoming computer literate and the schools have been given a considerable boost."

And the Work Carries On

Veronica added "IT4Communities made it successful by continually contacting CPSK for updates and information about volunteers. Vincent Taylor is now a valued member of the Charity. Our volunteer has proved to be enthusiastic and reliable. We are delighted that Vincent wants to contribute to CPSK on an ongoing basis".