Nelly Cheboi

Nelly 'Kosi' Cheboi is a Kenyan social entrepreneur and the founder of TechLit Africa, an organization that is transforming the educational landscape in rural Kenya by providing technological skills and access to computers. Raised in rural Kenya, Cheboi experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty and limited access to quality education. These early life struggles fueled her passion for creating a path to a better future, not only for herself but for children across rural Kenya.

Cheboi’s journey began when she earned a scholarship to study in the United States at Augustana College, where she graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Her experience in the U.S. opened her eyes to the life-changing potential of technology and digital literacy, sparking her desire to bring these opportunities back home. In 2019, she founded TechLit Africa, an organization that collects old computers, refurbishes them, and installs them in schools across rural Kenya. Through this initiative, TechLit provides thousands of students access to technology and empowers them with essential computer skills that enhance their future job prospects and digital literacy.

The impact of TechLit Africa has been profound. The organization has set up computer labs in numerous schools, providing students with resources that were previously unimaginable in underprivileged areas. By introducing these students to the world of technology at an early age, Cheboi is helping to break the cycle of poverty by equipping children with the tools necessary for success in the digital age. Her work is also closing the digital divide, ensuring that children in rural Kenya have similar opportunities as their urban or international counterparts.

Cheboi’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was recognized as the CNN Hero of the Year, a prestigious award that celebrates individuals who make extraordinary contributions to their communities. This accolade not only highlighted her impact but also drew international attention to the importance of equal access to technology.

Nelly continues to inspire young people, showing them that through resilience and innovation, they can rewrite their own stories and transform their communities for the better.

Famous Quote

The biggest way you can impact someone is by providing them access to opportunity.

— Nelly Cheboi

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