At the time of my decision to join Better Me and to make it to Kenya, I had only a approximate idea of what could happen. To host English classes, support physical education or art classes. Another interesting field might be computer classes, ideal for an IT guy like me as there was a high demand in it.

I have proposed to support computer classes and it was possible to host computer classes once the new school year has started in January. Specifically for grade 7 and 8. Due to the short time remaining we (teacher Dennis and me) agreed to only teach a basic understanding of computers. Teacher Dennis is responsible for the entire class schedule for all grades. I got 5 times a week to teach: 3 for grade 8 and 2 for grade 7. Basically the content for the classes were the same, with the difference that I could not cover everything for grade 7 compared to grade 8. However, according to teacher Dennis we had to prioritise grade 8. These classes would not take place at all if there was no one who could teach. So it was up to me at this time. I felt honoured.

It was something completely different compared to the Remand Home or to the English classes during the time of the school break. This was something serious, I had no idea about the expectations in the first place but we all quickly aligned and I was able to build a kind of a roadmap eventually.

The only material was a book which explains computers from scratch. From the kind of computers to their usage. And this was the plan: following the book’s content as much as I could and as much as it made sense from my point of view. In a gentle pace since this is something completely new to most of the students. Some technical facts and functions were also demonstrated and explained by using my devices (laptop and smartphone). Just to illustrate how it all works in general. For instance input/output in practice. Given the reactions from students they obviously have learned new facts and got a better or a general understanding. We went through some topics such as:

• Concept of a computer
• Types and characteristics of a computer
• Functions of a computer (how a computer works in general)
• Advantages & disadvantages of using computers
• Areas of computer usage (in general)
• Hardware vs. Software / operating systems
• How to use a computer (create and manage documents)

Despite of their activity during class I always had the feeling that there’s a difference between class room and school yard. Students remained silent, at times shy and talking quietly. This is an individual experience at this time. Nonetheless I had the impression that the students have learned something new. That’s what matters.

It was very interesting and amazing to talk to a completely new kind of audience. As a consultant, I mostly speak to adults about business software, IT infrastructures and solutions however talking to young people about simpler computer related topics was something that I could imagine prior to my volunteering. And it turned out that it worked well. Especially to use chalk and blackboard as primary work tools was a nice and new experience. Students were attentive and highly respective at all times and even asked politely if they could leave the room for a moment. I was impressed. Also about the fact that literally everything on the whiteboard / chalkboard has found its way into their paper notebooks. Basically any information given.

As part of the classes, it was also important to measure the understanding and learning success of the students as well as the volunteer’s overall performance. In parts, students have heard completely new things, and the pace was not particularly high. Given the interaction, students seemed to be very interested but also slightly overwhelmed. Since I am not a “real” teacher but rather a supporting teacher, I had to align with the classes as well as with the local circumstances. Due to this it was agreed with the principal to run only a test but to sell it as an exam to ensure students take this serious and prepare themselves well.

The outcome was slightly below expectations and provided feedback on

• how to run the classes
• how to roll-out the exam itself

Overall, a good experience for all of us. We used a flat TV to review and discuss the exam results. Obviously it was new to students to have the opportunity to mark the exam themselves and to use a TV as a tool.

We also used a TV to show YouTube videos such as this useful one. Students enjoyed this very much since it was a completely different way of teaching. Not to mention that many of them are not in a position to use a computer and/or TV.

Later students were allowed to use my laptop to play games or to watch some videos. Of course, under supervision. As said, most of them cannot access a computer easily. So this is something very special to them. This reminded me of my time as a teenager when playing games on an Amiga by the age of 14.

They were very curious about creating graphics and to draw on a computer. So we went through this for a while. Later, to have everyone involved, we decided to play some games. Some simple card or memory games would do it. During these games everyone can make a move one after another. They didn’t know any of the games but quickly grasped how to play it. And they helped each other. Which showed me their great social skills. It was a huge fun for them as they normally have no opportunity to play computer games or to do anything on a computer. It meant a lot to them and that was visible.