Illuminating Futures: Oldeani School’s First Year with PPI Computers

Picture this: a bustling classroom filled with eager students, their faces illuminated by the glow of computer screens. It’s not just any ordinary school day – it’s a day brimming with excitement and opportunity, all thanks to the remarkable impact of a computer lab installation.

Student Samwel stands in a computer lab in a school in Tanzania

This month we are excited to hear from students and teachers at Oldeani Secondary School, where the power of technology is reshaping the educational landscape one keystroke at a time.

During the installation, PPI executive director Caitlin Kelley remarked, “These new learning hubs represent more than just equipment; they symbolize opportunities that will shape the future of countless students.” The students and teachers at Oldeani School are already reaping the rewards of using the computer lab, witnessing significant enhancements in both teaching methods and learning outcomes.

Samwel, a Form Two student at Oldeani Secondary School, said “the computers help us to do different academic activities. We learn applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher and we learn to do exercises like creating folders and typing. We have Shule notes to read before class. The computers help us to rise academically. Thank you to Powering Potential!”

Oldeani student Zahara shared “The computers give us access to notes and to programs like Word, Excel, and Publisher. These programs help me to improve my academic performance.” 

Tumain is a teacher of computer information studies at Oldeani Secondary School. He noted “The computers help the students to improve their knowledge in other study areas by using class notes, having group discussions, and taking quizzes with the computers. They help teachers to prepare the academic activities for the classes, such as monthly tests, semi-annual exams, and annual exams. The solar power supply is reliable and supplies enough electricity to power the computer lab.”

Student Zahara stands in a computer lab in a school in Tanzania.
Teacher Tumaini stands in a computer lab in a school in Tanzania

In June 2023, the halls buzzed with excitement as the new computer lab and solar installation were unveiled. Since then, more than 285 bright minds—both students and teachers—have plunged into the endless possibilities of the digital realm, courtesy of the PPI computer lab. It’s been a year filled with discovery, learning, and empowerment!

Support students like Samwel and Zahara by joining the PPI community of donors!

Latin America Director Honored: Transforming Rural Education

Regional Director Dana Rensi at a conference table with her presentation on Scratch software

Step into the realm of transformative education in rural Peru, where Dana Rensi, PPI’s regional director for Latin America, shines as a beacon of innovation and impact! In the early months of 2024, Dana’s outstanding contributions were celebrated as she was honored for spearheading groundbreaking educational initiatives in the heart of Peru’s countryside.

Enter the Reto Ruralia (Rural Challenge) program, now in its second triumphant year in Peru. This groundbreaking initiative serves as a catalyst for change, offering vital funding and ongoing education to educational leaders across the country. Imagine the scene: a handpicked cohort of visionaries, drawn from the farthest reaches of Peru, converging for an intensive two-month journey of learning and collaboration. These trailblazers, armed with a passion for change, immersed themselves in a transformative blend of online courses, mentorship, and hands-on projects.

As Dana reflects on her experience, she shares her journey with heartfelt gratitude: “Being part of Reto Ruralia was both a privilege and a challenge. The wealth of knowledge and support from my mentors and peers fueled my growth every step of the way. I emerged with a newfound understanding of problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and effective implementation strategies. This experience will undoubtedly empower PPI to amplify our impact across Peru.”

But the impact doesn’t stop there. Cast your gaze upon the San Francisco Rio Itaya school in Iquitos, Peru, where PPI’s legacy of transformation unfolds. Here, a unique challenge meets unparalleled innovation as a solar-powered computer lab takes root in a community perched above the floodplains. Picture it: students, armed with newfound digital skills, breathe life into their imaginations as they explore the realms of animation and digital artistry. With each click of a mouse, a world of opportunity unfolds, empowering these young minds to shape their futures amidst the ever-changing tides of progress.


Help us empower students in rural Peru and Tanzania with essential digital skills and education!