How does the Internet change these students lives?
The Internet has provided a ray of hope to these youths since they can apply for jobs now using the web design skills that they've acquired. The youths have also learned to work with five industry standard software applications: Adobe PhotoShop, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Microsoft Word, GIF Builder and Netscape. They also learnt to scan, print and maintain the computers.
Is MYSA still involved with NairoBits, and if so to what extent?
MYSA and NairoBits are partners in development since they both have one aim to improve the lives of those youths with creativity but not the resource.
Will access be a problem for these students once the course is over?
There are very many Internet cafes in Nairobi where all people are surfing and e-mailing. NairoBits' students will probably find jobs where they work with computers in the office. At the MYSA there are PCs!
Do you feel that NairoBits has succeeded in its goal?
NairoBits has succeeded in its original goals. With the current set of goals, to become a self-sustaining organisation, we are still busy. Some of the progress we have made is intangible, such as improving the general skills of the trainees. To date we are not sure if we will make it due to various setbacks. We are continually breaking new ground. Also, the influence of the Kenyan economy takes its toll.
What future directions do you think the project will take?
NairoBits encourages the participants to transfer their knowledge to their fellow youths. After two years of hard work, foundation NairoBits wants to take the opportunity to enlarge the Internet community among the slum inhabitants, to train a broader base of youth, to enable the current participants to continue their learning process and to teach them how to make profits out of their talents.
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