Greetings peeps,
I hope that this letter finds you well (I would genuinely like to know how you're doing too. This is not just a “let's-break-the-ice” greeting!)
The other day I was travelling to Lewes having had a quality time at a BBQ with some good youth worker friends of mine. We were casually chatting about our desires, our crazy ideas and our jobs when my friend perked up and said 'You know, I've been thinking... I reckon you should talk to the church about your plans to go to Kenya in September Sean. It would be good for them to know what you're getting up to.' He's right, and it is because of the conversation following that statement that I am writing to you.
You may, or may not, be aware that I have recently been volunteering with a local charity called IT Skills 4 Rural Kenya. ITS4RK are actively seeking to address the 'digital divide' in Kenya, one of the biggest challenges that the Kenyan government faces today (a confession of the Kenyan government itself!). “What does this look like?” ITS4RK seek to bring tangible and practical IT (Information Technology) skills to young people in Brighton & Hove. Skills such as; Recycling & refurbishing computers, Software training, Web design, Film production & Effective communications. These young people will then pass on what they have learnt to the local Kenyans when they spend September there. (Would you believe that I am one of these 'young people'!?).
The ITS4RK team heading out to Kenya in September (this year, a total of seventeen people) are all ranging in age, skills and ethnicity. ITS4RK volunteers have been working very hard to fund-raise for the trip by hosting all kinds of events/exhibitions in and around the city of Brighton & Hove. They have also created an art installation called 'Keys to Kenya' (Designed by Kenneth Okafor – See next page for the design.) where you can purchase a computer key and put it onto the map of Africa. This will then be displayed online in a very cool & innovative way!
One of the projects that the ITS4RK team have been asked to undertake while in Kenya is to make a documentary on the issue of Climate Change, and to do so in partnership with the local young people. Another aspiration ITS4RK are seeking to make a reality is holding a two-day conference for all those interested in setting up new IT Centres in Kenya and/or for those who wish to receive some training in ICT – a first for rural Kenya! This will hopefully take place this September, if we can get the letters detailing the conference back from the Kenyan government.
I would highly value your support (in whichever way you feel appropriate), both while preparing and also while in Kenya. There is a financial need and if you could help then please do contact me (you can also visit www.justgiving.com/itskills4ruralkenya). But even more so, I would super-value your prayers, wisdom & advice from all of your diverse life experiences.
If you are interested in knowing more about the trip or the charity then do not hesitate to get in contact with either myself or IT Skills 4 Rural Kenya.
I hope to hear from each of you (even if it is for a catch up!).
Sean,
Address: 49 The Ridgway, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 6PD
Phone no: 07752327564
Email: seanolderbe@gmail.com
ITS4RK - 'Transforming rural areas in Kenya into centres for economic empowerment and development.'
