By Mercy Mumbua
In a collaborative effort to enhance educational opportunities for young boys at the Borstal Institute in Shimo La Tewa, Mombasa County, a delegation of juvenile corrections experts and social capital investors visited the institution to witness its operations and share insights.
The delegation included Angélique Koevoets, owner of forensic care units, youth care, and organizations for persons with disabilities in the Netherlands; Christopher Grey, an investor focused on socio-economic development; Peter Thuis, an experienced and enthusiastic educator; Close the Gap CEO Oliver Vanden Eynde; and Paul Akwabi from Tech Kidz Africa.
(From Left) CTG CEO Olivier Vanden Eynde, Angélique Koevoets, Christopher Grey, and Superintendent Mrs Jostina Mwang'ombe touring the facilities at Borstal Institute Photo: Ely Apunda
Under the leadership of Superintendent Mrs Jostina Mwang'ombe, the Borstal Institute provides a rehabilitative environment for boys aged 15-18, offering formal education and basic training across 21 different courses. Mrs. Mwang'ombe was excited to host the guests and stressed the importance of education and skills training in the boys' correctional and development process.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Angelique and her colleagues from the Netherlands. With over 20 years of experience in the juvenile correction system, her visit was incredibly impactful and highlighted the strides being made in this field. The collaboration with Close the Gap and Tech Kidz Africa, facilitated by the office of the Second Lady of Kenya, has positioned our institution as a leader in imparting positive technological skills to our boys," said SSP Mwang'ombe.
SSP Jostina Mwang'ombe addresses the visitors. Photo: Ely Apunda
This visit follows a significant collaboration between Tech Kidz Africa and the Borstal Institute. Tech Kidz Africa, dedicated to empowering local children in Kenya, has been instrumental in introducing digital literacy, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence training at the institute. The initiative aims to transform the boys into innovative thinkers and bridge the digital divide, fostering community inclusivity.https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExYmhxZmsyb2Z4cnFtaGVud3N3cHg2M2h1djRsZjE1N2UzZzZkNnFoNCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/kq5NRxAtMRMOV4TRIu/giphy.gif
"The partnership between Close the Gap, the Office of the Second Lady, and the Borstal Institute is a way of mentoring the boys to prepare them for the future. We teach them robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online safety, and cybersecurity—skills that are highly employable," said Paul Akwabi, CEO of Tech Kidz Africa.
During their visit, the delegation observed Tech Kidz Africa facilitating the integration of computer literacy and technology into the boys' curriculum. It was part of an earlier collaboration with Close the Gap, which saw the tech business incubator hub donate 20 computers to the institution. This initiative equips the boys with essential digital skills and prepares them for future opportunities in the tech-driven world.
Akwabi, Koevoets, and Grey listen to a presentation by one of the boys. Photo: Ely Apunda
"I am very impressed by the technical education provided here, especially with the computers donated by Close the Gap and initiated by Tech Kidz Africa. It is crucial for the future, as Kenya is an emerging economy where digital skills are vital. I believe the boys will have a wonderful future with the opportunities given to them by this institution," said Ms Koevoets.
The visit, arranged by the office of the spouse of the Deputy President, Rev. Dorcas Wanjiku Gachagua, connected Close the Gap Africa and Tech Kidz Africa, extending a courtesy call to SSP Mwang'ombe. The delegation engaged with the boys and staff, exchanged ideas and explored potential areas for further collaboration.
"A few months ago, thanks to the introduction from the office of Her Excellency the spouse of the Deputy President of Kenya, we established a public-private partnership with this institution to build a Close the Gap hub with a computer lab equipped with modern applications. This enables the young people to prepare for the real world," said CTG CEO Mr. Vanden Eynde.
Boys at the Borstal Institute working on the computers donated by Close The Gap Kenya. Photo: Ely Apunda
Mr. Vanden Eynde was impressed with the progress of the digital literacy program and optimistic about the outcomes of the first cohort. Christopher Grey was also inspired by the boys' music band and committed to supporting the institution with new musical instruments after hearing about the condition of the current ones.
Through the relationships built, the Borstal Institute seeks to leverage them and advance its mission of transforming the lives of young boys, providing them with the tools and skills necessary for a brighter future.
