TRAINING UPDATE

The training is well underway with the final level (media lab) ins their last stages. Companies have already started showing interest and we will begin sending them out for interviews next month. Within the information centers, the training continues well with both the beginners and intermediates proceeding well with their learning.

MUSOMA

We have started the process of setting up an information center in Musoma Tanzania. We already have some experience in setting up information centers where youth can learn about computers as well as well as access important information about their health, education and other opportunities relevant to them. We currently have 6 information centers hosted by community based organizations in different informal settlements in Nairobi. This is the first time we are setting up one outside the country.

This new one is supported by Terre des Hommes Netherlands. Anne Ikiara (our general manager) went to Musoma for consultation meetings with the local partners and there and things look good. We will keep you posted.

MUKURU KWA REUBEN

We are also well into the process of setting up the 7th information center in a different informal settlement in Nairobi (Mukuru in industrial area) . This area is characterized by extreme poverty and lack of information by the youth who remain vulnerable to gangs, drugs and crime. We intend to empower them with information and computer skills which will hopefully give them a few more options in life.

EMPLOYERS' MEETING

In an effort to improve the quality of our curricula, NairoBits organized a breakfast meeting with the leading companies in the multimedia design industry in which we discussed the advantages the NairoBits students have over other employees and perhaps more importantly, the areas we need to improve to remain competitive. They reiterated that they still consider NairoBits their first choice for employees as they informed us of where to improve.

EU PROJECT

NairoBits has a new funding partner on board. Kindernothilfe together with the European Union is supporting NairoBits to improve on the already existing programs of capacity building of vulnerable youth from the informal settlements of Nairobi with the hope of reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities for them.

BUILDING BRIDGES

The building bridges project has well and truly taken off with massive response from all over the country. There has been interest from radio stations and the media in general with Kenyans showing great support and participation. To keep in touch with the happenings of the project, visit the official website on www.buildingbridges.co.ke

SAMBAZA PEACE

Our piloting of this conflict resolution curriculum is well on its way with only one center remaining to finalize the pilot and make a report. The information from the pilot will be used to develop the remaining 6 lessons. They have been testing 4 of them as well as the fun board game with conflict dynamics. So far, the response from the youth has been largely positive. www.sambazapeace.org