The Dunia Salama Foundation is on a mission to bridge the digital divide among Tanzanian children. Named after the Swahili words for ‘Safe World,’ the foundation has launched the ‘Mimi Na Tehama‘ (‘I and IT’) project to equip young minds with essential digital skills, opening doors to knowledge and opportunities.
In many parts of the world, internet access and digital resources remain a luxury. Tanzania is no exception; countless children lack the means to explore the vast digital landscape. In our increasingly tech-driven world, digital literacy is paramount. ‘Mimi Na Tehama’ ensures that Tanzanian children won’t be left behind in this digital age.
The journey commenced in November 2022, and by August 2023, the Dunia Salama Foundation had already made significant progress. They empowered the first cohort of 40 children, spanning primary and secondary school levels. ‘Mimi Na Tehama’ allowed these children to experience the digital world as if they were online, breaking barriers and expanding horizons.
What sets this project apart is its commitment to not only digital proficiency but also online safety. In an era where online threats loom, the Dunia Salama Foundation equips these children with the skills to navigate the digital landscape securely. This holistic approach includes introducing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and cybersecurity—an often-overlooked aspect in traditional education.
Kiwix here serves as the backbone of this initiative as an offline-friendly browser. It simply brings these young minds the wealth of knowledge available on the internet. As a result, the availability of these free knowledge tools has been nothing short of extraordinary for these kids. Now, the Foundation aims to impact even more children’s lives and enrich its repository of Swahili content tailored to their specific needs and aspirations.
If you want to help -and speak a bit of Swahili or know someone who does – then feel free to contribute a few strings of translation so that Kiwix’ look & feel be available in that language too!