The Digitruck
First of its kind.
The Digitruck is an eco-friendly classroom that promotes students’ learning through the use of technology. It was constructed from a 40-foot shipping container converted into a fully insulated, solar-powered classroom, equipped with 20-networked laptops, a printer, and a TV. The Neema International team and adolescents of Uru were beyond excited to get started. However, moving the Digitruck into the village was a challenge. Co-directors, Mandy and Ali, worked alongside dozens of inspired adolescents who for one reason or another were no longer enrolled in school. They expanded the roads, laboring for months to open this innovative classroom. Finally, in October of 2015, the Digitruck program began. The inaugural class included 18 teenagers off the street, attending class daily with Ali and Mandy as the first teachers.
Bridging the gap.
With 64% of Tanzania’s 55.57 million people being under the age of 24 and a secondary school enrollment rate of less than 50%, the Digitruck constantly receives applications. The curriculum focuses on English literacy, STEM concepts and life skills, giving adolescents the intellectual toolbox they need to return to school.
Technology-based learning is possible through an additional donation from the Brisbane Rotary called Teacher-in-a-Box. Teacher-in-a-Box allows the computers to access a wide collection of academic materials offline. The Digitruck continues to provide remedial education to adolescents from fourteen to twenty. Having this phenomenal classroom in the middle of an impoverished village gives these adolescents a second chance at a bright future.
Innovative Curriculum
Digitruck students are required to attend class daily, refrain from pregnancy, drugs or alcohol and show exceptional behavior for one year. It is student’s chance to prove their commitment to school to the Neema International team. Digitruck graduates who perform well on exams are matched with sponsors and sent to private secondary schools.
Many Digitruck graduates go to Kilimahewa, a remedial school in the Kilimanjaro region supported by EducationEmpowerment. NIESP students attend other high-quality schools in the region such as Bendel Memorial Secondary, Feza Secondary, Kibosho Girls’ or Edumund Rice Secondary.
Digitruck students who do not perform well on exams are offered the opportunity to repeat the Digitruck program or attend vocational school.