Nonprofit organizations are a vital tool for educational change in developing areas. Partnerships between Anike Foundation and other organizations have had a very positive effect on the educational development of many African communities. One such partnership is that between Anike Foundation and Brighter Initiatives for Revitalization and Development, or BIRD-Liberia. This partnership has made a positive change in Liberia’s Gardnerville Township.

 BIRD-Liberia, established in 2014, is a nonprofit organization that works to help marginalized communities become self-sufficient and sustainable. Its programs focus on multiple areas of public service, such as agroforestry, health and sanitation, girls’ education, child protection, and gender, youth and child empowerment. Recently, the organization helped implement COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures within 15 communities in Gardnerville Township.

 BIRD-Liberia is passionate about reducing child poverty and recognizes that in order to eliminate poverty’s vicious cycle, children must be at the core of the solution. From June to August of last year, BIRD-Liberia and Anike Foundation implemented their project, “Youth and Children Educational Skill Training in Information Technology.” The project aimed to educate community members in technology usage. Via a donation from Anike Foundation, BIRD-Liberia purchased four used computers and a printer, as well as hired an instructor to conduct three months of computer training for 139 participants. Three other instructors were hired by BIRD-Liberia. Almost all participants completed the course and were awarded certificates of participation.

Effects of the Project on the Local Community

 BIRD-Liberia staff conducted monitoring and evaluation of the project. During this process, community awareness meetings took place, with full attendance by community participants. During project monitoring and evaluation, BIRD-Liberia spoke with project participants and local community members. The project was met with a positive response, and some requested an expansion in the project timespan. Those involved were appreciative of the donation and sponsorship from Anike Foundation, which had provided long desired technological learning.

BIRD-Liberia staff conducted monitoring and evaluation of the project. During this process, community awareness meetings took place, with full attendance by community participants. During project monitoring and evaluation, BIRD-Liberia spoke with project participants and local community members. The project was met with a positive response, and some requested an expansion in the project timespan. Those involved were appreciative of the donation and sponsorship from Anike Foundation, which had provided long desired technological learning.

BIRD-Liberia also spoke to community observers, who welcomed the idea of modern computer training. One person interviewed said that watching others take part in the project inspired her to want to do so as well. The facilitators of the project were also interviewed and thought positively of the initiative. They were pleased with the level of interaction between the trainer and the trainees. The interactions between both parties produced a friendly learning environment, and the lessons were easily grasped. The observers and facilitators suggested buying more technology to cater to those who still want to be part of the training in the future.

Effects of the Project on the Participants

The project had a very positive impact on the technological education levels of its participants. After speaking with the organization, I was met with an exciting response detailing all the amazing ways in which the local community benefited from the initiative:

·   Many participants started their training with no knowledge of basic computer functions. Those without previous technical know-how were able to explain the basic functions of a computer.

·        Students are now independently using a computer to complete assignments. Other participants can now use the computer for research and social media purposes.

·        The program has benefitted the elderly. A 65-year-old BIRD-Liberia Program Officer is now able to use his computer at home and work, and without having to ask for help. Other graduates are now able to work at internet cafés, desktop publishing areas, and as technological trainers online and offline.

As demonstrated by the results mentioned above, the educational and community impact of technology can be positive when nonprofits are provided with the necessary support. Because of the funds provided by Anike Foundation, BIRD-Liberia was able to provide the materials required for technological instruction. If more organizations like BIRD-Liberia can provide technological instructions throughout Africa, this will go a long way to bridging the technological gap between Africa and the rest of the world.