Empowering Education through Technology

The World Bank estimates that global learning poverty stands at 53% in low and middle-income countries, rising to 80% in some of the poorest countries. Learning poverty has increased over the past 5 years, with 180+ countries mandating temporary school closures during the pandemic, leaving 1.6 billion children out of school at its height. 

These school closures and the limited access to remote learning mean that learning poverty is likely to worsen from 53% to 63% if no remediation interventions are taken. 

In Kenya, school closures during the pandemic further exacerbated existing differences between rural and urban learning opportunities. In rural areas, a lack of digital resources and limited internet access made remote learning difficult. While schools have since reopened, a ‘digital divide’ remains. 

At Kathekani Secondary School, the Haller Foundation in partnership with the Tsavo Trust has worked to bridge this gap. Serving 350 secondary school students in the heart of Kenya, the school plays a crucial role in improving the livelihoods and outcomes of pupils. 

Haller and the Tsavo Trust have equipped the school with solar panels, 30 computers, and the innovative ARES education system to support pupils’ learning and improve the sustainability of the school’s operation. 

The installation of solar panels has significantly reduced the school’s energy consumption, driving down costs and producing savings of 35,000 KSH every month. These savings can be redirected to other critical areas of the school’s development, further enhancing the overall learning environment. 

The introduction of 30 computers has opened doors for students to engage with technology and develop digital skills essential for the modern world. With these resources, children are no longer limited by traditional learning methods; they can now explore new ways of acquiring knowledge and interacting with educational content.

The ARES system is a complete K-12 education system designed to operate in rugged environments without internet or reliable power. With most rural Kenyan schools lacking the resources to provide digital literacy training, ARES closes the digital literacy gap at a very low cost per pupil through the use of open source digital content, inexpensive servers, mesh networks, projectors, and laptops. ARES never requires internet access, making it a sustainable investment for the future. 

Lilian’s leadership, combined with the support from Haller and Tsavo Trust, is creating a brighter future for the 350 students at Kathekani Secondary School. Access to technology and sustainable energy solutions has not only improved the quality of education but also inspired a new sense of possibility among the students.

Together, we are empowering the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.