This CNN Hero upcycles old computers to open new worlds for young Kenyans
This CNN Hero upcycles old computers to open new worlds for young Kenyans
by Staff |
A student’s computer turned into an interactive art piece, a robotic pet, and a musical instrument all with a single, common goal: to expand the world of possibility for young people. That’s the key to the creative genius behind the program, which is called ‘LIVE!’ The software program that created the art piece, also known as ‘LIVE!’, was created by students in Kenya, who built it for a competition held by a local high school.
“LIVE!” is a program that gives kids in Africa, South America and other developing countries access to computers, creating a community that can share and learn from each other, and encourage curiosity and innovation, according to Kenya’s Minister of Works, Information and Broadcasting Joseph Boakye. The winner of the program is a student in Kenya’s national middle school, who created the art piece to showcase the innovation that can be drawn from technology.
The software was developed by a team composed of six university students and a computer enthusiast who was mentored by a fellow student; his name is William Mwangi.
The computer was not only a means of communication for the student, but also a form of art.
“LIVE!” is an on-demand media and technology project, which allows users to interactively create content, including videos, and audio content with their computer, in a short time frame, according to Kenya’s Ministry of Works, Information and Broadcasting.
“The challenge for us was to design and develop a program which can connect young people to the world,” said Mwangi.
A software engineer by profession, he came in contact with the high school’s engineering team and helped them