Griffin Khendi's life changed in 2019 when he met Priya Budhabhatti, the founder of Craft Silicon Foundation, which introduced him to a free computer training programme. Khendi had struggled to make ends meet after completing high school in 2017, but the programme opened a new path for him. He learned basic computer packages and eventually pursued an advanced course in full-stack software development, becoming a trainer at the foundation.
Craft Silicon Foundation's digital-skills programme aims to take ICT training directly to young people facing financial and geographical barriers to conventional education. The programme uses a mobile ICT laboratory with computers, internet connectivity, and solar power to train learners within their communities. On Saturday, the Foundation graduated 130 students who completed its three-month programme, marking another milestone for the initiative.
The mobile classroom is equipped with computers, internet connectivity, and solar power, allowing learners to train within their communities instead of travelling to distant colleges or training centres. This proximity can make the difference between acquiring a skill and remaining locked out of digital opportunities. The Foundation targets young people, particularly women and those from low-income communities, with free digital training.
The three-month course covers Microsoft Office applications, internet and networking skills, cyber security fundamentals, and artificial intelligence fundamentals. Students who demonstrate potential can be selected for more advanced training, including software development and website development. The Foundation also seeks to link graduates with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Khendi's journey illustrates the progression from being a beneficiary to becoming part of the team delivering the training. The Foundation has seen other former students move into employment and training roles. The programme is now expanding its curriculum as the nature of work changes, with artificial intelligence and software development being introduced alongside basic digital literacy.
The organisation currently relies on one mobile ICT bus to serve communities across Nairobi during the week, leaving a waiting list of young people seeking to join the programme. Additional partners and resources, including more mobile laboratories, would allow the Foundation to reach more beneficiaries. Simran Budhabhatti, Gen Z AI Consultant, Craft Silicon Group, says the organisation is expanding its partnership to enable it to add programmes like AI and robotics.
For Khendi, the impact of the programme can be measured personally. He entered the Foundation looking for an opportunity after struggling to find his footing in Nairobi. Years later, he is returning that opportunity to another generation of young people, this time from the other side of the classroom. His message to young people facing similar challenges is simple: those looking for an opportunity to acquire digital skills should take advantage of programmes that can give them a starting point.
Key points
- The Craft Silicon Foundation's mobile ICT laboratory provides free digital training to young people from disadvantaged communities in Nairobi.
- The programme has graduated 130 students who completed its three-month course, with plans to expand its curriculum and reach more beneficiaries.
- The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide opportunities for young people to acquire skills and access employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
