More than 8,000 learners across 12 schools in Turkana County are set to benefit from a transformative digital literacy initiative aimed at equipping them with essential technology skills, including coding.

The initiative, known as the Advancing Computer Skills in Schools Project, is being implemented through the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) with support from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Launched in July 2024, the project initially targeted 10 primary and junior secondary schools in Lodwar, where a select number of teachers were trained using a curriculum approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).

Following a successful start, the project has now expanded to include two additional schools—Nadapal in Loima Sub-County and Lokichar Girls in Turkana South—alongside five newly trained teachers.

The recent teacher training session, held over two days, concluded with a strong show of support from local leadership. Paul Ekeno Lodunga, Chief Officer for Education and Social Protection, reaffirmed the Turkana County Government’s commitment to supporting digital literacy efforts.

He emphasized the project’s role in ensuring learners remain competitive in the modern education and job markets.

“With partners like EIDU coming on board to support early childhood digital education, we are sowing seeds of innovation and creativity from the earliest stages,” said Lodunga.

FCDC Education and Governance Sector Lead, Abdullahi Hassan Maalim, highlighted the long-term vision of the project, noting that digital education is key to preparing learners for a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world. He added that FCDC is working to formalize partnerships with the Ministries of Education and ICT to ensure sustainable support for the initiative.

Turkana County’s Chief Officer for Education Quality Assurance, Levi Amusha, praised the growing integration of ICT in education. He encouraged teachers to embrace innovation and share their skills with colleagues to broaden the project’s impact, with plans underway to introduce digital literacy even at the preschool level.

The teacher training was facilitated by Turkana County ICT Officer Washington Malala and focused on updating educators on the revised KICD curriculum.

The original participating schools include Napuu, Canaan, Kanamkemer, Nakwamekwi, Nabulon Girls, Alfred Powery, Bishop Mahon, Lodwar Mixed, St. Michael Kawalase, and St. Monica Lodwar Girls.