TechLit Africa

2022 TOP 10 CNN HERO

Nelly Cheboi grew up in poverty in rural Kenya, where she often went hungry and missed school because her single mother could not afford tuition. Cheboi ultimately received a college scholarship in America, worked odd jobs to support her family, and discovered her passion for computer science. She came up with a plan – and a solution to end intergenerational poverty in her community: Bring technology, education and opportunities to kids in Kenya. Her organization, TechLit Africa, builds computer labs in rural classrooms using recycled computers and currently serves 10 schools in Kenya. Since 2018, Cheboi has given 4,000 kids the opportunity to learn a variety of programs and gain technical skills that will position them for family-sustaining jobs and brighter futures.