FEATURED STORY
Coding with confidence:
Nairobi’s iHub shapes the future for girls in tech
While many students have access to computers at school and at home, Cynthia would not have access to a computer until she was 19. Growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, neither her school nor her family could afford such a luxury, excluding Cynthia from future career opportunities.
Now, through SOS Children’s Villages Nairobi Community iHub, she is studying data science and JavaScript essentials—and she wants more girls to have the same opportunities.
“Our mentors at the hub tell us you should not feel discouraged. Do the course that you want to do,” Cynthia said. “To those who talk negatively and say you can’t do it, prove them wrong.”
Across Kenya, girls continue to face significant barriers to entering the digital world—from limited access to internet and devices to cultural norms that discourage them from pursuing technology-related studies. While national policies aim to close the gap of girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the reality is many girls are still left behind in a rapidly digitizing economy.
A safe space for learning and growth
Located at SOS Children’s Village Nairobi in Buru Buru, the Nairobi Community iHub is an SOS program that provides teenagers and young people with a safe place to learn essential digital and soft skills. Under the protection of safeguarding-trained staff, young people can also access resources and connect with mentors, ICT coaches and like-minded peers. Since its opening in May 2023, hundreds of young people have been coming to iHub each month.
The iHub, part of the Digital Villages Project, provides not just access but encouragement. With bright murals painted by participants and a culture of open discussion, it is a place where young women feel welcomed and empowered to explore ICT.
In Kenya, the digital landscape is evolving rapidly, yet connectivity remains a challenge. As of 2023, internet use hovered around 43-45%, but many rural and underserved areas continue to struggle with infrastructure, power challenges and device affordability.
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