Nairobi Gate-Painting and Ground-Breaking Ceremony for Mukuru Kwa Njenga Community Center

Thousands of Nairobi children will cross the digital divide and access a global network of opportunity at the SIDAREC-Mukuru Kwa Njenga Center, launched in June 2009 with a community gate-painting and ground-breaking celebration in the Mukuru Kwa Njenga settlement. The community center was custom-designed for Slums Information Development Resource Center (SIDAREC) and the needs of Nairobi youth, including access to the Internet, computer and technology training, health clinic services, early childhood development programs, and a community theater.

The community center is a cooperative project by the 50x15 Foundation and Architecture for Humanity to enable local youth to participate in and benefit from the Internet’s global network of commercial and education opportunity. SIDAREC, the project’s community partner, is a Nairobi youth development organization whose mission is to help community members access greater economic and social opportunities.

“The Nairobi community center will enable young people and their families to participate in and benefit from the life services -- healthcare information, financial services, job hunting, education and communication -- accessible by the Internet,” said Dan Shine, president of the 50x15 Foundation. “This project creates a path to individual and community empowerment in Nairobi. It is at the heart of our commitment to train and connect communities throughout Africa.”