Star athlete Isaac Macharia revolutionizing education, empowering dreams

In the heart of Naro Moru, Nyeri County, a remarkable initiative is unfolding, led by none other than Isaac Macharia, a celebrated three-time Nagano Marathon Champion. Together with his friends, he has spearheaded an endeavour that promises to transform the lives of young people in the area.

Their brainchild, Kenswed School Secondary School, is not just another educational institution. It's a beacon of hope, offering free virtual vocational M-Learning training to vulnerable yet deserving students. Picture this: 115 eager learners delving into various technical courses, from pastry making to app-based taxi management like Uber. But what sets this apart is the technology driving the education - solar-powered tablets infused with the magic of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

These tablets, crafted by the ingenious Dr. Per-Olof Hansson from Linköping University, Sweden, are more than just gadgets. They're gateways to knowledge, loaded with over 50 technical courses simplified through AI lecturing. It's a revolution in education, bringing learning to the palm of your hand.

But the journey doesn't end with the distribution of tablets. Each student receives not just a tool for learning, but also a beacon of light. Solar power panels illuminate the homes of those off the national grid, a symbol of empowerment and progress.

At the heart of Kenswed's mission lies entrepreneurship. It's not just about acquiring skills; it's about cultivating the spirit of enterprise. Students are equipped with start-up grants and guided through the intricacies of business management. Because here, success isn't just about grades; it's about building futures.

“We provide students with Sh4000 start-up grants to purchase essential learning tools. Additionally, we guide them through tutorials on how to navigate the tablets seamlessly in an M-Learning process, facilitated by local instructors," Dr Hansson, partner and friend to Isaac Macharia, said.

Take Hosea Warutere, for example. Born and raised in an area where job opportunities are scarce, he's seizing the chance to learn computer programming alongside business management. It's a path to a brighter future, away from the confines of casual construction work and hawking.

Or Peninah Wanjiku, whose journey from the Solio Ranch village to becoming the local hairdresser and beautician is inspiring. With each strand she styles, she's weaving a tale of empowerment and self-reliance.

And then there's Ziporrah Wandia, whose dreams soar as high as the skies. With ambitions in agriculture, computer science, and entrepreneurship, she's a testament to the limitless possibilities unlocked by education.

"I aspire to delve into agriculture, computer science, and entrepreneurship. Eventually, I envision travelling abroad to pursue advanced studies in medicine, viewing it as a stepping stone to even greater accomplishments," Ziporrah said.

 "Our research endeavours and interactions with fellow students have been instrumental in expanding the scope of our courses. Notably, hairdressing has emerged as a particularly popular choice.

Additionally, subjects such as tourism management, motorcycle mechanics, agriculture, and computer programming have garnered significant interest," she added.

But as with any journey, challenges abound. The lack of teachers is a hurdle that the Kenswed team is determined to overcome. Through unwavering dedication and innovative solutions, they're paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.

In the heart of Naro Moru, amidst the towering peaks of Nyeri County, a revolution is underway. Led by Isaac Macharia and his friends, Kenswed School is not just educating minds; it's nurturing dreams, one solar-powered tablet at a time.