If there was any doubt that Isinya Maarifa Center is changing the lives of those living in Isinya and its environs then the following short testimonies will clear such doubts.
These testimonies have convinced, at least me, that with a little effort even the impossible is possible. Through these services, previously voiceless persons are being heard, preconceptions challenged and opportunities opened.
Testimonies
These testimonies have convinced, at least me, that with a little effort even the impossible is possible. Through these services, previously voiceless persons are being heard, preconceptions challenged and opportunities opened.
Testimonies
52 beneficiaries of ICT training secured jobs
with Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as voter registration,
polling clerks and Deputy Presiding Officers.
Richard
Ndemo, 35 years old, extension
officer, secured a better job with a Nairobi and Naivasha based farm. A frequent user of the Maarifa, Ndemo
succeeded in getting a the job after reading and applying for the job on-line at the Maarifa Center where all services are free including internet
access.
Jeremiah
Ateti, 57 and entire Isinya District Peace Committee:
As Chairman of the peace committee, Mr. Ateti with
ICT skills is now able to carry out all his duties successfully. He has even opened a
facebook page for the Isinya District Peace Committee. The page engaged
residents especially the youth during the campaign and election period in calls
and activities aimed at promoting peace. It has been a great success with
Isinya being as calm and quiet as always before, during and after the elections period.
Njeri
Karanja, 22, Egerton University:
After getting ICT training at the center last year,
she was able to apply for a HELB loan for her University education without any assistance after she enrolled.
Julius
Ntayia and Moses Leir, 56 & 33 respectively:
These two politicians got ICT training at the
center. They were thus able to write emails, create social accounts to engage
with their supporters during the just concluded elections.
Patricia
Mutuku, 47, of Daystar University and a teacher at Kepiro primary school:
She used the Maarifa Library as she researched for
her Thesis for her Masters in Communication. Moreover, The Maarifa Center was one of her case studies. She
documented students during ICT training sessions and Maarifa users.
Samuel
Kasaine, 26, of Jommo Kenyatta University:
Samuel used the Library to research for his project
during his diploma. Moreover, he typed the entire paper using the computers at the center as the costs of typesetting were beyond his means. This enabled him succeed and proceed for a degree at JKUAT.
Moses
Leseiyo, 28, Compassion, Local NGO:
Moses uses the Maarifa Center’s accounting books to
study for his CPA’s. “The books have contributed to my success in the exams
besides expanding my knowledge in financial management and accounting matters
thus improving my service delivery,” says Moses.
Ministry
of Agriculture and Livestock Officials:
Mr. Benson Mwangi, Mr. Erick Ahenda and Mr. John
Thiong’o have benefited from the many agricultural books at the Maarifa center.
Mr. Mwangi even got a scholarship to China to study about Mushrooms after his
curiosity in the plant increased after reading “Small-scale Mushroom
cultivation”.
Ms. Lois Gakuru is now able to type reports and send
them to her superior through her email.
Immanuel
Kivinda, 20, University of Eldoret:
“As a student of BSc. Horticulture, I have benefited
tremendously from some of the books here. My understanding of the course work
has increased and consequently my performance improved,” Kivinda says.
Kivinda, who also learnt ICT at the Maarifa is also
subscribed to Baobab, a quarterly magazine by ALIN, dealing with farming and environmental matters. He says the magazine and the books have expanded his knowledge.
By Sheila Ngigi
