As Spring begins, Nuru has set a new project intended to serve the community, create new jobs and teach members about some of the basics of running a small business.
On April 31st, our shipping container left for Kenya loaded with books, gifts, and 10 computers headed for what will be Tudor’s newest small business: a computer lab for the community and Nuru members to use.
The 10 computers were sent with much appreciated help from Free Geek Vancouver, in combination with a grant designed for hooking organizations up with used computers. The computer will be set up in a drop-in facility, where local members of the community may use the computers for a small fee, providing access to a resource not otherwise readily available in Tudor. This fee for use will go towards covering the costs of operation and electricity, but should create a small source of profit for Nuru, and make possible the creation of a handful of jobs as well.
For Nuru members who already have some experience with computers, the facility will allow them to expand these skills, as well as use them in a business environment. The computer facility will also serve to teach Nuru members about the ins and outs of starting and running a small independent business.
Additionally, Nuru is already working towards a partnership with local primary schools so what children could spend time in the computer lab and learn basic tools by working on computers that would not be possible without access to computers. These skills, once again, will prove valuable in school and when looking for work in the future.
These computers will also make it possible for Nuru to offer workshops to community members who have no computer skills as of yet and may improve their job skills through computer training.
The undeveloped site for the new Computer Lab
The location for the computer lab is already set, and for the next few weeks we will be working on a structure to house the computers. One idea suggested is to purchase a large shipping containers and modify it by creating windows and other elements. This method would be sustainable, as well as secure thanks to the construction of the container, which would protect the electronics from the elements as well as theft.
Stay tuned for more updates as well develop Nuru’s new Community Computer Station!
