School children in Bamba, Kilifi County, are smiling into the future of learning after receiving advanced digital tools, including Smart Boards and Virtual Reality (VR) devices, from Compassion International Kenya.
The official launch took place at Redeemed Gospel Church in Bamba and was preceded by the Kilifi Deputy Governor, Flora Chibule. The Church is one of the five churches benefiting from the new technology in Ganze, Kilifi. The tools are part of a pilot program that aims to equip young people with skills for the digital world.
Speaking during the event, the Deputy Governor acknowledged the launch as a big step in supporting the youth, noting that she was happy to see that young people are quickly learning how to use the technology.
“It’s great to see our youth using these tools confidently. Kilifi has over 1.5 million people, and 60% of them are youth under 35 – half of them are school-going children. This project brings hope for their future,” she said.
So far, the VR and Smart Board tools have been introduced in four out of five churches in the Ganze Cluster Pilot program. The technology lets children experience interactive lessons, explore virtual environments, and learn in ways that were previously only possible in well-funded private schools. The children were excited, saying they were learning faster and enjoying the lessons more.
“I saw students from the church guiding others on how to use the smart boards and gadgets. They already know how to use them, and that’s the goal – to build digital skills in our youth,” the DG said.
Compassion International Kenya’s Director, Catherine Wamiti , said the project is part of the organization’s plan to help children and youth become self-reliant in the future.
“We want to prepare children with the same quality of education and exposure that students in international schools get. With these tools, they can learn better, access more information, and build their confidence,” Wamiti said.
Also present was James Mulandi, another director from Compassion International Kenya, who praised the warm reception from the local churches and communities in Ganze.
Compassion International, a public benefit organization, works with 488 churches across 31 counties in Kenya and currently supports over 140,000 children. The Ganze project is expected to expand based on feedback and success from the current pilot.
Wamiti emphasized that the mission is not only to grow children spiritually but also to empower them with life skills.
“Our focus is on their well-being, growth in Christ, and helping them become agents of change in their families and communities,” she said.
With such strong community support and evident excitement from the children, Ganze may soon become a shining example of how rural communities can thrive through digital education.
Nixon Bunke, a partnership Facilitator at Compassion International Kenya who serves in the Ganze Cluster, emphasized how exciting it is to witness such a remote and often forgotten village now being part of something so futuristic.
Through this immersive technology, powered by Meta, children are getting real-life learning experiences. For instance, while learning about wild animals like the Big Five, students can go on a virtual safari instead of having to travel to places like Tsavo, which many cannot afford. They’re also exploring advanced topics like robotics, artificial intelligence, and global innovation, right here in Ganze.” Bunke said.
He added that the Smart Boards are helping learners improve key academic areas such as numeracy and literacy, bringing them closer to international education standards.
“This project is not just about access to gadgets. It’s about giving our children real skills, preparing them for global opportunities, and achieving our goal of helping them become self-sufficient.” He Concluded.
By Fatma Said