While modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have provided commercial entities, universities, ministries, research institutions and big hospitals with information for their activities, they have done relatively little for rural communities. Rural and poor communities are left out of the benefits that arise from these modern ICTs-in both giving and receiving information. Despite this being the information age, millions of children and youths have been denied the empowerment that comes with information. Children, being the generation of the future ought to be exposed to potentially useful health and development information that will arguably shape a better future for them.

As a result, World Vision Kenya and AfriAfya have formed a partnership geared towards improving the use of ICTs for increased health and development, knowledge sharing, and teaching among children, women, and people with disabilities. With support from Australian Government AID (AusAID) and World Vision Australia, this initiative is being implemented in three selected ADPs of World Vision Kenya which are: Osiligi ADP in Kajiado District of Rift Valley Province, Katito ADP in Nyando district of Nyanza province, and Taru ADP in Kwale District of Coast Province. One community learning centre (CLC) has been established in each of the 3 ADPs and they are intended to be focal points of community learning and a repository of knowledge. These CLCs are equipped with an assortment of ICT equipment such as computer, printer, phones, TV, DVD, digital camera and mobile phones. These ICTs will be used as tools to facilitate learning on health and development.

This newsletter is one of the initiatives of the project whereby the communities get a chance to document their experiences and share information with others. This is the first publication and we look forward to more publications where the young children and youth will have a chance to tell their stories and experiences. The trainings on story writing, photography and video skills will help build their capacity in this area.