Airtel Kenya has launched its Free Internet for Schools Program in partnership with the Computers for School Kenya (CFSK). The partnership will see 30 Schools in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu, Garissa, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu counties receive Free internet connectivity from Airtel. The host school will also receive a donation of computers from CFSK.
Officially launched in 2014, the Airtel Free Internet for Schools, which is a flagship CSR program, seeks to provide internet access to students. This will allow them to gather meaningful information that will aid in their learning. The program has so far impacted the lives of over 250,000 students in over 300 schools across 33 counties in Kenya.
This launch follows a series of other high-profile launches held last year in counties including Machakos and Kiambu. With an intended target of reaching 1 million students across the country, the 30 schools in the different counties add to the list of students and youth that have been positively influenced by the program.
Airtel Kenya CEO, Prasanta Das Sarma appreciated the unrelenting support of the County Government towards this initiative. He noted that; “In the education sector, internet use and adaptation to the rapidly emerging technological advancements cannot be overlooked. Therefore as a company, we deem it fit to ensure that students all over the country gain access to the Internet and thus be able to glean from the numerous benefits and learning tools that come with it.”
“As a company, we are devoted to delivering solutions that enrich the communities that we serve. As such we remain committed to this partnership with Computer for Schools Kenya, the County Government, and other key partners to continue enriching lives through the Airtel free internet connectivity to schools.”
During the launch event, Computers for Schools Kenya donated 5 computers to Aquinas High School whilst Airtel donated routers to the various schools represented at the event.
Airtel also continues to work with British Council, Computer for Schools Kenya and The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to provide free internet connection to over 60 hubs located in schools around the country. The high-speed broadband access for the hubs guarantees teachers and students limitless new educational opportunities. The hubs are dedicated spaces within secondary schools where students are incubated and nurtured to be creative, innovative and able to launch sustainable business ventures and social enterprises.