Bondo: RASUCO Institute of Technology and Business Studies in Bondo Sub County has launched an initiative to partner with local day schools to teach students computer literacy skills.

According to Kenya News Agency, the institutions' manager, Evans Ochieng Akumu, stated that students from various day schools will have the opportunity to visit the college for a whole day to become familiar with both the hardware and software aspects of a computer for free.

Ochieng disclosed that the decision to engage students in computer skills training was driven by the disparity in digital access between established boarding schools and day schools, which are often attended by students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. These day schools typically lack basic ICT facilities, leaving their students at a disadvantage in acquiring digital skills compared to their peers in boarding schools.

Ochieng emphasized the importance of computer skills in modern life, noting that introducing students to computers after completing Form 4 is already late in the current digital age. The initiative aims to expose students to computers earlier, reducing the disparity in digital literacy.

To address this gap, RASUCO has designated specific days for students to visit the facility, where they will receive hands-on training to overcome any "computer phobia" they might experience when joining tertiary colleges or undergoing initial training after completing Form 4.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Ochieng highlighted their role in bridging the gap to ensure day school students do not feel left behind and to create a level playing field for fair competition with students from schools equipped with computer laboratories.

Ochieng also mentioned that while the government is responsible for ensuring access to education for all students, the private sector, like RASUCO, plays a crucial role in filling gaps to ensure equity in accessing computer training.

The manager announced that the initiative will eventually target local primary schools, not only to combat "computer phobia" but also to spark interest in computer skills among learners within the new competency-based curriculum.

Ochieng revealed that next week, students from Gobei Secondary School will participate in the program, following the recent involvement of Bondo Township Secondary School. After completing the program with day secondary schools, the focus will shift to primary schools.

Erick Omondi Oyule, a teacher from Bondo Township Secondary School, commended RASUCO Institute for launching the program, highlighting its potential to significantly enhance digital literacy among students in the region.