Following suspension of institution-based learning activities, Equity bank and Mastercard Foundation have teamed up to supply solar powered devices that will support over 14,600 students in the Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarship programs. Most of learning activities shifted to radio, TV and online sources but a good number of Kenyan learners still lack resources or access to services that would ensure continuity in their education.
In response to the current lockdowns imposed in various parts of the country, learning in institutions was untenable, hence most institutions adopted various technologies to offer lessons to learners across the country. Equity bank in partnership with Master card foundation has availed solar powered devices to learners in a bid to ensure they continue accessing lessons currently being aired on Government-owned radio and TV stations. The financial institutions will also provide students with a monthly stipend during this difficult period between June through August to enable access to essential food and personal items.
Following the effects of the corona virus, all learning institutions in the country suspended activities within institutions and instead opted for broadcast channels and digital platforms. Most families in the country experienced difficulty coping with the situation as they can barely meet basic needs and couldn’t afford to acquire necessary hardware for online or broadcast learning.
Scholarship recipients in the Wings to Fly, TVET and Elimu program in partnership with the Government of Kenya, which mostly includes students from poor families, this meant a return to households that could not provide access to learning. EGF moved to support learners by designing a program that would equitably help students and their families to continue their studies at home.
Students received various devices that would aid in their quest to continue learning even while at home such as solar lamps, radios and a mobile charging unit for cell phones.