“Salvation for a race, nation, or class must come from within. Freedom is never granted; it is won. Justice is never given; it is exacted. Freedom and justice must be struggled for by the oppressed of all lands and races, and the struggle must be continuous.”

–A. Philip Randolph

Solar-powered Computer Labs

Computer technology can narrow the distance between continents and accelerate the process of social, political and economic development. The exponential increase in cellular phone usage over the past five years has transformed social relationships throughout Maasailand. Maasai women can keep in touch with friends and relatives in adjoining villages and use their cell phones to transfer funds and conduct businesses.

MCI believes that every Maasai child should have limitless opportunities for education, including a chance to learn basic computer skills. MCI believes that every Maasai child should learn basic computer skills, know how to access the Internet, and send and receive email. Computer training will improve the employment prospects for Maasai children while reliable internet access will provide students with ready access to academic information and eliminate the expense of procuring up-to-date text books and instructional materials. Maasai girls who acquire relevant computer skills can become competitive in Kenya’s job market after their education.

MCI has developed a program to provide a solar-powered computer lab that connects rural Maasai schools to the internet. Our pilot project of five solar-powered laptops and a satellite receiver was formally dedicated in January 2010.