During CodeDay, We had some of our Community members attend and Collaborate with code with Kids . Photo by Kelvin Juma
About KDV
In the rapidly evolving digital realm, Kibera, one of the largest non-formal settlements in Nairobi often finds itself marginalized amidst the relentless pace of technological advancement. A recent investigative study has shed light on the arduous journey of Tech graduates and creators from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Many of these individuals in the Tech Space, despite their prowess and acquisition of knowledge from scholarships offered by some of the best institutions, find themselves tied up in lack of adequate education, poverty and lack of market penetration: unable to secure promising careers and often fall short of the minimum criteria for selection from the latter schools for support, leaving them on the margins.
Such unfortunate hardships have coerced some to abandon their aspirations, turning to alternative careers or becoming moderators in low-income generating AI companies.
With such problems, as Kibera residents, who are also tech enthusiasts, we have initiated the Kibera Digital Village project to bridge the gap between education, employment and innovation in the community by centralizing expertise and resources while disseminating the resulting outcomes more broadly.
Our Objectives
Foster entrepreneurship empowerement to cultivate the startup founder culture
Facilitate job placements and attachments for at least 5 graduates each year
Train and empower 50 individuals annually in IT skills in cohorts.
Cultivate Community and Collaboration
Facilitate a streamline path for indivisuals since a young age
Meet The Team
The team at KDV possess a profound understanding of the challenges graduates from Kibera face. Having themselves emerged from the same environment, they bring a unique perspective and first-hand experience to the project. They are well versed in their specific industries, therefore, securing valuable insights and networks that can be leveraged for the benefit of the community.
Culture
Community
Kibera Digital Village is all about Community.
In a dynamic tech hub setup, community plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. The interconnected web of individuals, startups, and established tech entities forms a vibrant ecosystem where ideas flourish and evolve. Community-driven initiatives, such as meetups, hackathons, and collaborative workspaces, serve as catalysts for networking and idea generation. This interconnectedness not only facilitates the sharing of technical expertise but also promotes a culture of mentorship, where experienced professionals guide and inspire emerging talents. The collective energy of the tech community in a hub is palpable, driving not only individual success but also contributing to the overall growth and resilience of the entire ecosystem. Through shared resources, collaborative projects, and a sense of shared purpose, the community in a tech hub becomes the beating heart of innovation, powering the advancement of technology and shaping the future of the industry.
Empowerment
Empowerment in a community is Vital.
Empowerment in a tech hub setup is the transformative force that propels individuals and groups towards realizing their full potential and making a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Within this dynamic environment, empowerment manifests through various avenues such as skill development programs, mentorship initiatives, and inclusive opportunities that prioritize diversity. The tech hub becomes a nexus where individuals are not just consumers of technology but active contributors and creators. Empowering activities, such as workshops, training sessions, and access to cutting-edge resources, enable participants to refine their skills, build confidence, and contribute innovative solutions to complex problems. In this atmosphere of empowerment, diversity is embraced, and traditionally underrepresented voices are given a platform, fostering an inclusive community that values and benefits from the diverse perspectives present. As a result, the tech hub becomes a thriving ecosystem where individuals are not only equipped with technical prowess but also empowered with the confidence to lead, collaborate, and drive positive change in the broader tech industry.
Collaboration
An Empowered Community is powered by Collaboration.
Collaboration within a tech hub setup is the cornerstone of exponential innovation and collective progress. In this interconnected ecosystem, the impact of collaboration extends far beyond the sum of individual efforts, creating a synergy that accelerates technological advancements. As diverse talents converge in collaborative spaces, ideas flow freely, and cross-disciplinary partnerships emerge, leading to innovative solutions and disruptive technologies. Collaborative projects, hackathons, and shared workspaces create a seamless knowledge transfer environment, fostering a culture of continuous learning. The impact of collaboration is not only seen in the speed of problem-solving but also in the cultivation of a supportive community where individuals amplify each other’s strengths. This collaborative spirit extends beyond the hub, influencing the broader tech industry as successful partnerships and shared insights contribute to the evolution of global technological landscapes. In essence, the collaborative ethos of a tech hub becomes a driving force that propels both individual and collective achievements, shaping the future of technology in unprecedented ways.