What began as a way to support 10 scholars has become a lasting investment in digital skills, practical experience and future opportunities.
When ten of our scholars recently completed secondary school and began studying at Kasarani Technical College in Kenya, they all needed regular access to computers to support their studies.
Our first thought was to provide each student with a laptop, as we’ve done for other scholars in the past. Another option was to pay the college’s monthly IT fees so they could access existing computer facilities.
But our Kenya team had a different idea.
Ayiesa, one of our former scholars who now helps lead Rafiki Thabo Foundation’s work in Kenya, realised there was a smarter, more sustainable solution. Rather than paying computer access fees for the next three years, he calculated it would actually cost less to establish our own Alabaster IT Hub (known locally as a cyber centre).
We trusted his judgement.
Today, that vision has become a reality.
The Alabaster IT Hub is now open, providing our scholars with reliable access to computers and digital resources throughout their studies.
But what makes this project so special is that its impact reaches far beyond those original ten students.
Along the way, Ayiesa and the local team recognised an opportunity to create something even more sustainable. They registered the hub as a business, added printing and stationery services, and created a resource that will not only support students but also serve the wider community.
The opportunities don’t stop there.
Two of our scholars, Cleopas and Catherine, who are currently studying ICT at Kasarani Technical College, are already helping to run the hub.
They’re not just studying technology—they’re applying their knowledge in a real working environment, building confidence, developing practical skills and preparing themselves for future employment or even self-employment.
As Ayiesa shared:
“It’s wonderful to see them putting their skills into practice in a real working environment. We believe this will create even greater opportunities for our students by giving them practical experience, building their confidence, and preparing them for employment or self-employment.”
Like many worthwhile projects, there were unexpected challenges along the way. Additional licensing requirements and start-up costs emerged as plans developed. Without hesitation, Ayiesa and the local team chose to cover these extra costs themselves.
His message to us was both humbling and inspiring:
“Please don’t let the extra costs worry you. We’ve decided to take care of them ourselves. We believe God, who has opened this door, will also give us the grace to sustain it.”
Stories like this remind us why we place so much trust in our local partners.
They understand their communities better than anyone. They see opportunities others might miss. And they create solutions that continue delivering impact long after the initial investment has been made.
What started as a conversation about helping ten students access computers has become something much bigger.
An IT hub.
A practical learning environment.
A community resource.
New skills.
New confidence.
New opportunities.
Because sometimes, opening one door creates many more.
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