Truck that equips youths in remote areas with vital digital skills

By Pauline Kairu

A mobile digital classroom, named DigiTruck, is revolutionising access to digital and computer training in rural Kenya, particularly in remote areas of the country.

At its core, DigiTruck is a solar powered mobile 40-foot steel cargo container transformed into a high-tech classroom equipped with computers, internet connectivity, and educational resources. This innovative solution is bridging the digital divide by bringing essential learning opportunities to underserved communities.

In many rural areas of Kenya, computer educational resources are scarce, and access to technology is limited. Students often lack the opportunity to learn crucial digital skills that are increasingly essential in today's world. Recognising this gap, Huawei conceived DigiTruck as a means to bring the tools of the digital age directly to those who need them most.

The transformation of cargo containers into mobile classrooms is a stroke of genius. These containers, once used for transporting goods, have been repurposed into functional learning spaces.

Each DigiTruck is equipped with an IdeaHub – a smart screen for presentations – a set of at least 20 laptops, internet connectivity via satellite or other means, and educational software tailored to the needs of the students. Additionally, the containers are designed to be energy-efficient, incorporating solar panels to power the technology within.

With a focus on youth empowerment in Kenya, the mobile computer classroom has reached 29 counties, training over 4,600 youth and imparting crucial digital skills.

Collaborating with partners that include government bodies such as the Ministry of Information, Communication and The Digital Economy, ICT Authority, Ministry of Youth, and private organisations, the project has been successful in its operations.

“I want to thank Huawei for this initiative to support us here in Kenya. I believe you are also doing the same across the continent. We are keen to have our continent connected,” said ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng John Tanui during the launch of the DigiTruck Digital Literacy Skills Programme Evaluation Report 2024. The launch occurred on the side-lines of the Connected Africa Summit 2024 in Nairobi.

In general, the evaluation established that the DigiTruck concept was boosting incomes, employment, and entrepreneurship.

“We need our people to be skilled, and this specific programme addresses digital skilling. We appreciate that you've come up with this special arrangement with other players, so that you have a truck powered by solar that can go to the most remote places of our country and equip our young people with necessary skills in the digital space, and also to be entrepreneurial,” said Eng Tanui.

DigiTruck takes digital training to the doorstep of those who need it. This mobility is one of its most significant advantages. It can be transported to remote and isolated communities, reaching areas that traditional brick-and-mortar schools cannot. This flexibility ensures that even the most marginalised populations have access to quality digital skilling.

One of the trainers, Adams Makau, says computer studies taught within the DigiTruck curriculum cover a range of topics, from basic digital literacy to more advanced programming and coding skills.

Students are guided through interactive lessons by qualified instructors who understand the local context and the unique challenges rural learners face.

“Beyond technical skills, DigiTruck also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, empowering students to navigate an increasingly digital future with confidence, while also being conscious of the safety element,” Makau explains.

The impact of DigiTruck extends far beyond the classroom. By equipping students with digital skills, it opens doors to employment opportunities and economic empowerment.

Graduates of DigiTruck programmes are better prepared to enter the workforce or pursue higher education, breaking the cycle of poverty in their communities.

In essence, DigiTruck is a symbol of hope and possibility for rural communities in Kenya. By democratising access to education and technology, it paves the way for a brighter future, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.

Speaking at the launch of the DigiTruck impact report, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, said: “Congratulations, Huawei, for this very innovative programme of digital skilling. You are aware that as a government, we have embarked on a very ambitious programme of rolling out digital public infrastructure. We are rolling out 100,000km of fibre, 25,000 Wifi hotspots, and setting up 1450 digital hubs within the villages. But to facilitate optimal uptake of that digital infrastructure, it is imperative that we have a commensurate level of digital skilling. That is why this DigiTruck programme comes in handy, because through it, we are able to reach very, very, remote areas that ordinarily we will not access for purposes of digital skilling.”

He continued: “We want to assure you that we will continue working with you in the programme of digital skilling as we roll out our digital transformation agenda.”

More information about the impact of the DigiTruck initiative is available here.