The NRCF Elimu hub houses a computer laboratory and library to provide learning activities and resources for its beneficiaries. The utilization of the hub is as follows:
1. Computer lab
Primary Students
- Weekly Computer Classes
There are many benefits of introducing computers to children at an early age. One of the main benefits is that it prepares them for future computer usage since many professional fields require these skills. This also increases their self-esteem, and self-confidence and boosts their problem-solving skills.
- Creative classes on Saturday i.e. Canvas & Coding
As part of the Saturday program, we are introducing creative computer classes where students are taught to use creative tools such as Canvas to create decorative posts for sponsors and basic coding skills.
Non-Nelson Mandela students will also take computer classes on top of the creative classes to be on the same level as the Nelson Mandela students.
- Internet – Web surfing and NRCF communication portal
The students are taught how to use the internet to do school research within their level and access and log in to their NRCF communication portals to write/reply to sponsor messages and access their photos and other resources in the portal.
Secondary students
- WordPress Training
The secondary students must attend mandatory computer classes during their holiday where they will be introduced to the WordPress course. At the end of the training, they are required to build their portfolios.
The training also acts as a preparation for the three months training with Belmont College.
- Internet – Web surfing, NRCF Communication portal, and Google mail
The students are taught how to use the internet to do school research. Use of Gmail tools such as Email, Google docs, sheet, and saving documents in G-Drive. They are also taught to access and log in to their NRCF communication portals to write/reply to sponsor messages and access their photos and other resources in the portal.
Post-secondary students
- High school graduates computer training
The two-month training program by Belmont International College will be conducted in our computer lab, which is now equipped with new and fast desktops.
- Research space for students
The computer lab is accessible to all the beneficiaries of the foundation to access and conduct their research or do assignments. Students use the computers in the lab to access the student communication portals to send and receive emails to and from their sponsors.
2. Library
- School textbooks & revision materials.
The NRCF library with the help of the CBCT project leader is in the process of identifying school textbooks for primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels in relation to the new curriculum. Students are accessing these books either to read them within the library or borrow them for a specific period.
- Storybooks/novels
Currently, the library has various genres that students borrow and read within our premises. This activity continues in the new library with a plan of adding more.
The current library management system is also under improvement for a more effective book tracking experience.
The librarian, with the help of primary and secondary case managers, ensures that each student borrows a book at least once every school term and provides a report at the end of the year to indicate how many books each student has read.
Each student also fills out a questionnaire upon returning the borrowed book to ensure that they read it. This exercise also encourages the student to read their storybooks to be able to fill out the report.
- KICD materials access
Five Endless OS computers are being installed in the library space for students to continue accessing the KICD materials
- CBC Utilization activities – Art and Design
Art and design stimulate creativity and imagination as it provides visual and sensory experiences and a special way of understanding and responding to issues. Through learning about the roles and functions of art, students can explore the impact it has had on contemporary life.
By introducing art and design;
- The students will have access to materials that they cannot access from home and are also limited at school. They will be able to showcase their artwork to sponsors eg in drawing, cardmaking, flower making using different materials, etc
- Students will be able to record from first-hand experience and imagination to select their ideas to use in their work.
- They will be able to develop creativity and imagination through a range of complex activities
- This will increase their critical awareness and boost their confidence and have fun.
- Reading and study space
Most of our students’ homes are not conducive to studying. The library space is utilized by students during holidays and or weekends for reading, studying, and doing assignments.
It will also be a space where students come and get assistance with their homework and assignments from the TechMates interns that will be at their disposal.
Students will also have read-aloud and around sessions, where they will be able to share lessons, terms, and group book reading.
Book club sessions for grades 5 and 6 students will resume