In June and July of 2024, PAWA IT Solutions embarked on an inspiring journey with inABLE, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities through technology. Together, we set out to visit four remarkable schools for visually impaired students across Kenya. With a team of dedicated Cloud Engineers and Customer Success professionals— Sean, Eddie, Mercy, and Austin—we visited these schools to deliver 176 Chromebooks and offer immersive training on Google Workspace for Education, each visit driven by a shared vision of breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive digital future.
We journeyed to Thika Primary School for the Blind, St. Lucy’s Primary School for the Blind in Meru, Likoni Primary School for the Blind, and St. Oda Primary School for the Blind in Siaya, where we were warmly received by students and educators alike. This was not the first time PAWA IT partnered with inABLE to provide Chromebooks to these schools; last year, we delivered 472 Chromebooks. However, this year was different—we added a training roadshow, an essential addition that allowed us to guide educators on using this technology in ways tailored to the needs of their students.
Empowering Through Technology
For visually impaired learners, navigating the digital world can be daunting. Unlike their sighted peers, visually impaired students often face additional challenges accessing educational content and collaborating effectively. This project was designed to dismantle these barriers. Each Chromebook was equipped with essential accessibility features, including text-to-speech software, screen magnification, and customized Google Workspace tools, helping students interact with digital content more meaningfully and independently.
Through hands-on sessions, we walked students and teachers through Google Workspace’s collaborative tools. Google Classroom, Chat, Spaces, and Docs became more than just tools—they became pathways for students to communicate and collaborate. Watching students and teachers use these tools for real-time discussions, document sharing, and project management showed us the transformative potential of accessible technology in action.
One of the most powerful moments came with the introduction of Gemini AI. With guidance, teachers learned to leverage this innovative tool to create personalized lesson plans, tailoring content to individual students’ needs. Students, too, discovered a new sense of independence as they used Gemini AI to receive customized feedback on their assignments—a vital step toward fostering self-confidence and autonomy.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Delivering the Chromebooks was only the beginning. Each training session revealed the untapped potential in these classrooms. With Google Classroom, we provided teachers with a streamlined system to create assignments, distribute materials, and grade work effortlessly. This digital management tool brought newfound organization and structure to classrooms, empowering teachers to focus more on engagement and less on administrative tasks.
Beyond the practicality, the emotional impact of this project was undeniable. We trained 26 educators, some of whom had never had access to such technology, and they were not only grateful but genuinely inspired. Their eagerness to implement what they learned was a reminder that empowerment doesn’t end at access; it extends into opportunity. For these teachers, the Chromebooks symbolized a level playing field—a chance to bridge the digital divide for their students and equip them with tools to compete equally.
Transformative Impact and a Positive Future
The response from students and educators alike was overwhelmingly positive, and the impact was immediate. Students began using Google Workspace tools to communicate and collaborate with their classmates, and teachers felt empowered with the knowledge to guide their students toward digital independence. By the end of the training sessions, we had reached more than 500 learners and trained 26 educators, leaving behind tools, skills, and a sense of optimism for what lies ahead.
This partnership with inABLE exemplifies PAWA IT’s commitment to using technology for good. While the challenges were not few, each step—from Thika to Siaya—strengthened our conviction that digital inclusion is possible. Our partnership isn’t just about devices; it’s about leveling the educational playing field, transforming lives, and fostering an inclusive environment where all students have the chance to reach their full potential.
Together with inABLE, we’re reminded that technology, when made accessible, can change lives. The Chromebooks and training provided were more than just a deployment; they were a promise – a promise to empower, inspire, and include every learner, one school at a time.
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