Computer Classes for Peace in Western Africa
One Peaceful Africa: Ghana Gathering participant is inspired to further the work of COE and cultivate peace in his community through computer classes for youth.
As the result of one young man’s effort, recent graduates and current students of secondary schools in Western Africa are receiving free computer training as well as empowerment to visualize a more peaceful community. 27 year old, Femi Sylva, Nigerian graduate of computer science took it upon himself to organize community development projects, in his area, that include free computer training, gatherings to discuss moral issues and spiritual activism, and cultivating a culture of peace.
In August 2013 he gathered with only four participants and one laptop to conduct a basic computer class. In just 3 months Femi gathered discarded computers from the local government store in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria and West Africa and rebuilt them, using his own money, to facilitate teaching more students. The majority of his, now, 65 participants are youth. His courses are absolutely free. This program attracts young people from many surrounding communities in his local government and neighboring governments within the state. He also travels from school to school to help students with computer skills, in doing so developing better futures for young Africans. Knowing that such skills could help develop healthy-sustainable communities, he is eager for his project to grow.
One of the limiting challenges Femi faces is the absence of financial support to increase the participation because he has no support to purchase more computers. He is actively seeking connections to people who would sponsor his work directly or through COE.
"I also go from school to school in the community helping them with their computer work and development of the school pupils and students toward a better future. Having attended One Peaceful Africa: Ghana Gathering 2013, I am inspired to further contribute to the actualization of COE's vision."
