Information communication technologies (ICT) are central component of modern life and yet, in a world where ICT are crucial to effective citizenship many Africans are disenfranchised from both access to and the literacies to use ICT effectively. CM4K seeks to do something about this through the development of active partnerships, knowledge sharing and training.

In the developed world we tend to take ICT for granted. They have an ever increasing influence on the lives that we lead. From mobile smart phones in our pockets and bags; to  tablets, laptops and PCs we use at home, at school/college/uni and at work; to the high definition smart televisions in many domestic environments - ICT are ubiquitous and information, media and communications and the capacity and capability to use them effectively are resources central to citizenship in our increasingly global society. 

Community Media 4 Kenya has been set up to do something about this and make a difference. We are a team of community media students from the School of Art, Design & Media at the University of Brighton. For the past 4 years we have been working with rural communities and marginalised youth groups in Kenya. We are well placed to explore, with our Kenyan partners, ways in which ICT can be made accessible so that Kenyan communities can harness the benefits of the digital age to address both basic needs and developing local economies by supporting small businesses, social innovation and entrepreneurs.

We are developing a network of participating partners to explore ways in which Community Media Centres (CMCs) can support socio-economic development, cultural understanding and communication and thereby improve the quality of life for Kenyan communities.

The funds we raise enables us to provide ICT equipment; books & an extensive 'training the trainer's programme so that local people can build capacity by training others and in so doing empower their own communities.

In addition to these activities CM4K is raising funds and resources to support a day orphanage in Ruiru and a school in Londiani - both marginalised communities.

The community technology training the trainer projects are grounded in community-based participatory learning techniques and are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, cultural understanding, community empowerment & sustainable partnerships that promote socio-economic development. You can keep up to date with our progress & fundraising activities by joining us here.

By donating through JustGiving you can become part of this work and help us to empower disenfranchised Kenyans. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.