In July 2014, Powering Potential, Inc. (PPI) visited the remote Nainokanoka Secondary School in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro district to install our Phase 1 solar-powered Raspberry Pi computer lab. At the time, it was one of the most isolated sites we’d visited. Many of the students had never even seen a computer before, much less had the opportunity to use one.

On Jan 21, 2017, nearly three years later, a Powering Potential team led by ICT Manager Neema Lyimo has returned to install Phase 2 of its solar-powered Raspberry Pi computer lab at Nainokanoka Secondary School. Thanks to generous funding by Collegiate Church, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter  Foundation, Lisa and David Issroff and other individuals, the students, teachers, and administrators are enjoying access to 15 new Raspberry Pi computer systems, as well as an expanded solar infrastructure.

For the first time in its history, Nainokanoka Secondary can offer the national curriculum’s four-year courses on Information and Computer Studies, giving the students the ability to fulfill the ICS criteria set forth by the Tanzanian Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and, in turn, pursue rewarding ICT-related careers.

Congratulations, Nainokanoka Secondary! Hongera sana!

“With gratitude, thanks from the society of Nainokanoka administration, teachers, and students. We appreciate the reception of 15 more computers for phase 2. We will continue to effectively use the computer lab for our students. For now, the ICT class is open and ready to register for the ICS national curriculum. Next year our Form 2 class will do the National ICT curriculum. We wish you all the best and will continue to cooperate.” E. Masare, Headmaster.

Mwalimu Nickson is an ICS teacher at Nainokanoka Secondary. He has been an invaluable liaison between Nainokanoka’s administration and Powering Potential’s staff. His care and attention have ensured the program’s successful implementation.

Mwalimu Nickson and ICT Manager Neema Lyimo working on the Phase 2 Installation

He demonstrated outstanding dedication by working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Powering Potential staff during installation, and even offered his own personal room for Powering Potential to use throughout the program’s progress. We at Powering Potential thank him for his kindness and evident commitment to providing the best education he can for his students. Safi sana!

“We should be able to register ICS now that we have enough computers. Our student’s performance will continue to improve with access to the RACHEL resources. Students will be encouraged by the school computers. They will enjoy learning more about this new technology.” Mwalimu Nickson