By giving children new skills, in an area where there is a shortage of labour, they are almost guaranteed jobs.
Martyn Ryan was the co-founder of the Re-wired in 2006. An IT professional, Martyn launched Re-wired to help supply schools in Africa with IT equipment, and support them as they use it. Their vision is to help the children of Africa become at ease in this ever increasingly technological age.
What initially inspired you to found the Re-wired?
I started going to Africa in 2001 and I was always struck by how lacking in resources the schools were.
In 2005, two friends went on a Mission Direct trip to Sierra Leone, where they helped they build to a school. They came away having been changed, and wanting to do more. We put our heads together and came up with the idea of helping Africa join the IT revolution. If it was going to get left behind, then the gap between rich and poor Nations was only going to get bigger.
In 2005, two friends went on a Mission Direct trip to Sierra Leone, where they helped they build to a school. They came away having been changed, and wanting to do more. We put our heads together and came up with the idea of helping Africa join the IT revolution. If it was going to get left behind, then the gap between rich and poor Nations was only going to get bigger.
What sort of difference does the chance to use a computer in school make for children in countries as poor as Sierra Leone and Uganda?
Getting employment in Africa is difficult. By giving children new skills, in an area where there is a shortage of labour, they are almost guaranteed jobs. But it is more than that. The internet opens their eyes to what is possible for them and their country, increasing their aspirations, and desire to improve their own situations.
What sort of expertise do you need to join an IT team?
Ideally you would know your way around a PC, and more importantly you should be able to show others how they work. That’s the essential bit, but if you are also adept at repairing and setting up networks then there is plenty for you to do!
What will volunteers be doing on these trips?
We will be helping to install computer suites into schools. So, there will be lots of carrying and fetching, but also configuring of PCs and teaching the children how to use them.
What has been the most satisfying achievement so far for you?
Every shipment we have sent and installed has been satisfying, knowing that you are changing lives. The last shipment we sent though to a school in Nakuru, Kenya was amazing though. It contained computers, lathes, saws, lots of different tools, tables, chairs and even football shirts. It was like giving these destitute children a better life packed inside a crate.
Call Jackie Johnston in the Luton office
8am - 5.30pm
Mon - Fri
to apply or find out more.
t: 01582 72 00 56