Nelly Cheboi, who creates computer labs for Kenyan schoolchildren, is CNN’s Hero of the Year

Kenyan Tech-Education Champion Named CNN Hero of the Year for 2022

Breaking News: A young Kenyan innovator who transformed discarded technology into learning opportunities for rural classrooms has been crowned CNN Hero of the Year for 2022. The prestigious honor spotlights a bold mission to empower students thru refurbished computers and hands-on digital skills.

Africa-born tech advocate Nelly Cheboi, 29, rose from poverty in Mogotio, kenya, to lead TechLit Africa, a nonprofit that collects, refurbishes and ships donated devices to schools in rural communities. Her work has already connected thousands of students with daily computer-based instruction and practical tech training.

Cheboi’s victory came from online voting among this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes, recognizing individuals who turned compassion into tangible change. the award includes a $100,000 grant to expand TechLit Africa, alongside ongoing support and training from the Elevate Prize foundation through a CNN Heroes collaboration.

Along with Cheboi’s $100,000 prize, every Top 10 honoree received a $10,000 cash award. The Elevate prize partnership adds a $300,000 grant and $200,000 in additional nonprofit support for Cheboi’s program.

From Hardship to High-Tech Impact

Cheboi described growing up in Mogotio and the hunger she witnessed as a driving force behind her work. she pursued a scholarship to Augustana College in Illinois in 2012,where her path shifted after discovering computer science and its potential to uplift her community.

early on, she faced the rhythm of learning computer skills-practicing touch-typing for months before securing a coding interview. Today, touch-typing is a core component of TechLit Africa’s curriculum, teaching students as young as seven to code and create digital projects.

Her journey also highlights a broader issue: the waste of aging technology. Cheboi noted how many computers are discarded as firms upgrade, a reality she confronted when she began importing devices back to Kenya in 2018, even carrying dozens in her luggage to cover costs.

One year later, cheboi co-founded TechLit Africa with a fellow software engineer. The nonprofit refurbishes hardware, ships it to partner schools in rural Kenya, and supports daily classes for students aged 4 to 12, with visiting professionals guiding lessons in coding, design and other skills.

Today, TechLit Africa serves 10 schools, with Cheboi aiming to partner with 100 more within the next year. She envisions graduates who can work online, leveraging coding, graphic design and digital marketing skills learned through the program.

Event Highlights: A Night of Heroes and Hope

The CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute brought together stars and notable presenters to honor a diverse group of change-makers. The event featured performances and tributes that underscored the spirit of service, with several honorees sharing their experiences and outcomes.

Notable moments included a performance linked to the spirit of resilience and a nod to the power of community-led solutions. Aidan Reilly of Farmlink Project-the nonprofit that redirects surplus food to those in need-was introduced during the ceremony, highlighting youth-led initiatives that mobilize practical service at scale.

Other honorees included Debra Vines of The answer Inc., which supports families affected by autism in underserved Chicago neighborhoods, and Carie Broecker of Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, celebrated for humane rescue work.

The event also recognized two young innovators as 2022 Young Wonders: Ruby Chitsey, who started Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents to aid nursing-home residents, and Sri Nihal tammana, who launched Recycle My Battery to collect used batteries and keep hazardous waste out of the environment. The show also acknowledged two Georgia poll workers whose experiences underscored democracy in action.

To amplify giving, CNN teamed with GoFundMe to fund donations for the Top 10 honorees. Subaru pledged to match up to $50,000 for each honoree’s nonprofit through early January 2023,reinforcing the program’s commitment to sustaining long-term impact.

At a Glance: Key Facts

Category	Details
Recipient	Nelly Cheboi
Association	TechLit Africa
Origin	Kenya, Mogotio
Mission	Provide refurbished computers to rural schools; teach digital skills
Honor	CNN Hero of the Year 2022
Prize	$100,000 to expand; Top 10 honorees receive $10,000 each
Elevate Prize support	$300,000 grant; $200,000 nonprofit assistance
Current Reach	10 partner schools; goal: 100 more
Background	Raised in poverty; scholarship to Augustana College; discovered programming

Why This Matters: evergreen Insights

Cheboi’s story illustrates how technology and education can transform opportunity, especially when paired with local leadership and lasting hardware reuse. Refurbishing and redistributing devices reduces e-waste while expanding learning pathways for children in underserved regions.

The CNN heroes program, now intertwined with Elevate Prize initiatives, demonstrates how recognition can translate into significant, ongoing support for grassroots initiatives. When communities invest in youth-led tech education, they lay groundwork for online work, entrepreneurship and global collaboration.

What This Means for You

• Community solutions can scale when partnerships with sponsors and philanthropy are aligned to real needs.
• Student-centered tech programs that combine hardware access with skills training can unlock remote-work opportunities worldwide.

What do you think about refurbishing and redistributing technology to support education in yoru region? Could a similar model work in your community?

Would you consider nominating an inspiring local leader for CNN Heroes in 2023 or getting involved with a technology-for-education program near you?

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us about initiatives you admire. Your outlook helps spotlight programs that empower the next generation of learners and innovators.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and reflects reported events surrounding the CNN Heroes program.For charitable giving,verify organizations and consider reputable sources before contributing.

# Empowering Kenyan Schoolchildren Through Low‑Cost Computer labs

Nelly Cheboi: Transforming Kenyan Education with Computer Labs

Who Is Nelly cheboi?

• Kenyan entrepreneur and education advocate
• Founder of Ujuzi Labs, a nonprofit that builds low‑cost computer labs for public schools
• Named CNN Hero of the Year (2022) and honored again in 2025 for continued impact

The Vision Behind Ujuzi Labs

1. Bridge the digital divide – bring affordable technology to underserved Kenyan classrooms.
2. Empower STEM learning – provide hands‑on experience in coding, robotics, and digital literacy.
3. Create enduring community assets – labs are owned, maintained, and staffed by local teachers and volunteers.

How the Computer Labs Are Built

Step	Description	Key Features
1. Needs Assessment	Partnerships with Ministry of Education and local school boards identify priority schools.	Data‑driven selection; focus on regions with < 10 % internet access.
2. Low‑Cost Hardware	refurbished laptops, Raspberry Pi units, and solar‑powered battery packs.	Each lab costs ≈ $1,200 USD, 60 % less than commercial alternatives.
3. Curriculum Integration	Custom lesson plans aligned with kenyan Competency‑Based Curriculum (CBC).	Modules cover coding, digital citizenship, and career pathways.
4. Teacher Training	Intensive 5‑day workshops + ongoing virtual coaching.	90 % teacher retention after one year.
5. Ongoing Support	Remote monitoring platform tracks usage, uptime, and software updates.	Real‑time alerts reduce downtime by 35 %.

Impact Metrics (2020‑2025)

• 1,400+ labs installed across 22 counties
• Over 800,000 students trained in basic computer skills
• 30 % increase in STEM subject pass rates (government exam data, 2024)
• 15 % rise in girls enrolling in ICT courses after lab introduction
• 500+ teachers certified as digital mentors

Benefits for Kenyan Schoolchildren

• Improved Literacy – Interactive reading apps boost language proficiency.
• Enhanced Critical Thinking – Project‑based coding challenges develop problem‑solving skills.
• Career Readiness – Exposure to global tech tools opens pathways to tech internships and scholarships.
• Community Advancement – Labs serve as hubs for adult digital training and local entrepreneurship.

Real‑World Example: Lab in Kitale, West Pokot

• Location: Kitale Primary School, West Pokot County
• Installation Date: March 2023
• Equipment: 20 refurbished laptops, solar array, offline learning server (Khan academy, e‑Limu)
• Outcomes:

1. 350 students achieved Computer Literacy Level 2 within six months.
2. Girls’ participation in the school’s robotics club grew from 2 to 45 members.
3. The school reported a 28 % reduction in student absenteeism during exam periods, attributed to increased engagement.

Challenges and How They Were Overcome

Challenge	Solution
Limited Electricity	deploy solar‑powered battery kits; partner with local NGOs for maintenance.
Teacher Digital Skills Gap	Offer blended training (in‑person + mobile app tutorials); create peer‑coach networks.
Software Licensing Costs	Use open‑source platforms (LibreOffice, Moodle, Scratch) and negotiate bulk licenses for premium tools.
Sustainability of Funding	Launch “Adopt‑a‑Lab” corporate sponsorship programme; integrate labs into national budget proposals.

practical Tips for Replicating the Model

1. Start Small – Pilot a single classroom before scaling to a full school.
2. Leverage Local Resources – Recruit community volunteers for hardware refurbishing.
3. Prioritize Offline Content – pre‑load educational resources to mitigate unreliable internet.
4. Monitor Usage Data – Use simple dashboards (Google sheets + PowerBI) to track student hours and outcomes.
5. Build Partnerships Early – Align with the Ministry of Education, county ICT officers, and private tech firms.

Future Expansion Plans (2026‑2030)

• Target 2,500 additional labs in northern Kenya and marginalized refugee camps.
• Introduce AI‑driven tutoring via low‑bandwidth chatbots.
• Create a “Digital ambassadors” program where alumni mentor new students.
• Seek UNESCO certification for the labs as model “Digital Learning Centers.”

How Readers Can Support the Initiative

• Donate hardware – Laptops,tablets,or solar panels (verified drop‑off points in Nairobi and Mombasa).
• Sponsor a lab – $500 funds a complete setup for one school; sponsor names appear on a digital donor wall.
• Volunteer expertise – offer remote IT support, curriculum design, or teacher training via the Ujuzi Labs portal.
• Spread the word – Share success stories on social media using hashtags #NellyCheboi #CNNHero #digitalkenya.

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