Creating a Digital Learning Environment at Pamoja New Heart Centre

Computer Aid supplied 20 laptops to Malindi, Kenya through local NGO Pamoja in late 2024. Five of the laptops were gifted to local students as part of our initiative with BSI, and 15 were used to create a Digital Learning Centre.

Digital Learning Centre

The Digital Learning Centre was setup in January 2025 offering affordable computer training to local youths (2,500 Kenyan Shillings per month). Youth from nearby Mkaomoto Village have been able to benefit from these computer classes at Pamoja New Heart Centre.

Additionally, students who are part of the scholarship program have been supported with computer sessions, which is of great importance to them since they use these skills in the new competency-based curriculum in Kenya. Most of the local government Primary Schools do not have a hub with digital technologies, so local students benefit from using the Digital learning centre at Pamoja New Heart.

In July 2025, Pamoja expanded their curriculum to include computer operations alongside their ongoing syllabus. This additional component focuses on hands-on training in areas such as computer maintenance, hardware/software basics, and responsible data usage. This initiative has made a difference to the local youth; the computers have given the students a chance to better prepare for career opportunities and have bigger aspirations. Additionally, the community’s outlook on technology has transformed and parents are very supportive.

Apprenticeships

The five laptops which were gifted directly to students undertaking an apprenticeship, have been benefitting them for 9 months. They range in age from 20-25 and have been using their laptops for tasks related to their studies. Two of the beneficiaries have passed ICDL assessment in digital literacy modules, including  ‘Aspectos informáticos esenciales‘ and ‘Presentation.’

The beneficiaries are using their laptops daily, usually for 2-3 hours and have been completing a range of tasks including:

• File and Folder Navigation
• Tratamiento de textos
• Emailing
• Presentaciones
• Utilising AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini)
• Hojas de cálculo
• Video Meetings (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams)