For teachers and learners at Yathrib School in Bulamadina, Garissa Township, Mawingu WiFi has become part of everyday learning. The public mixed school has about 2,700 learners and 45 teachers. 

With digital learning becoming an important part of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), reliable internet has helped the school make better use of technology and access learning resources. This is also reflected in Mawingu’s work at Katheka Kai Primary School in Machakos County where internet connectivity has supported teachers and learners in making greater use of digital resources. 

Before Mawingu WiFi, the school relied heavily on mobile data bundles to access online resources. This came at a cost, especially as teachers increasingly needed digital content for their lessons. 

Farheya Abdi Ibrahim, the school’s Deputy Headteacher, says the difference has been noticeable. “Before Mawingu, we used to spend a lot of money buying bundles. So now we are very okay. We use the digital Wi-Fi, Mawingu Wi-Fi.” 

Bringing Digital Learning into the Classroom 

For teachers at Yathrib School, reliable internet has changed how technology is used during lessons. Teachers can take learners to the ICT room, search for information online, and project it for the class. 

Robert Akugo, one of the school’s senior teachers, remembers that at his previous school in Migori County, laptops and tablets were available but often remained unused because there was no internet connection. 

“At every moment, there is a teacher who would have a class that is based on the internet,” he says. Teachers can now use online information, videos, and demonstrations to support their lessons. 

Akugo says this has also encouraged learners to become more interested in exploring information and doing things on their own. Instead of relying only on the teacher, learners can watch, follow, and then try activities themselves. 

Mawingu CEO Farouk Ramji says this kind of impact reflects a bigger purpose behind connecting schools. “When we connect to a school, we invest in more than infrastructure. We are investing in learners, educators, and communities. We aim to ensure that schools have the tools and connectivity they need to access knowledge, improve efficiency, and participate fully in the digital economy.” 

Building Teachers’ Digital Skills 

The impact of Mawingu WiFi goes beyond classroom lessons. Teachers at Yathrib School have also gained digital skills that help them make better use of online tools. 

During a three-day digital skills training at Garissa Primary School, teachers learned about cyber safety and online teaching. One teacher says he learned how to create online classes, share links with learners, and conduct lessons remotely. 

The training also gave teachers an opportunity to share their knowledge with others. They went on to train health workers and fellow teachers and submit feedback from the sessions. 

The training forms part of Mawingu’s broader work to strengthen digital skills in underserved communities. For Instance, Mawingu’s digital skills programme in Garissa and Wajir  has similarly focused on helping teachers and other community members use technology more effectively. 

Connecting Technology with Practical Learning 

Mawingu Internet has also supported practical projects at Yathrib School. One example is the school’s agriculture project, where learners grew vegetables in containers and explored how farming can be practised in a dry environment when water is available. 

The project also incorporated technology. CCTV cameras installed at the farm allow donors in Nairobi and the UK to monitor activities remotely through their phones and provide feedback. 

The cameras also supported 24-hour security surveillance, showing how connectivity could support both learning and the management of school projects. 

Making Internet Part of Everyday Learning 

For Nicholas Siengo, a teacher at Yathrib School, Mawingu WiFi has made it easier for teachers to access information that benefits their learners. 

“We can also even Google using this Mawingu internet, and our learners are benefiting a lot,” he says. Teachers can search for information, download learning materials, and introduce learners to resources beyond what is available in their classrooms. 

The experience at Yathrib School shows what can happen when reliable internet becomes part of the school routine. Teachers have more opportunities to use digital resources, while learners can explore information beyond the traditional classroom. 

From supporting lessons and teacher development to enabling agricultural projects and remote monitoring, Mawingu WiFi is helping Yathrib School make greater use of technology. 

For Mawingu, connecting schools is part of a wider mission to expand digital access and create opportunities for communities that have traditionally been underserved by connectivity. This approach can also be seen in Mawingu Foundation’s work connecting schools and communities  across Kenya. 

At Yathrib School, that mission is taking shape through teachers who can access more resources, learners who can explore beyond their classrooms, and a school that can put technology to practical use. 

To learn more about Mawingu and its commitment to connectivity, visit Mawingu