Nelly Cheboi (Kenya)

Nelly Cheboi,

(Founder of TechLit Africa)

www.techlitafrica.org 

From growing up in hardship in a village in rural Kenya to becoming a game-changer in the digital world, Nelly Cheboi's journey is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative potential of education. Faced with the challenges of basic sustenance and limited opportunities, Nelly’s life took a remarkable turn when she earned a full scholarship at Augustana College in Illinois to pursue her dreams in the United States.

While working odd jobs to support her family, Cheboi discovered her true passion: computer science. With a newfound vision to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, she devised a groundbreaking plan. Her mission? Harness the digital economy to unlock global opportunities for rural Africans and so, she founded TechLit Africa, a non-profit organization in 2018 along with Tyler Cinnamon. This innovative organization breathes new life into discarded computers, transforming them into tools of empowerment. In primary schools across Africa, TechLit Africa up-cycles these old computers, teaching vital digital skills to students. They have built ten computer labs in rural Kenya through their efforts, benefitting 4,000 students and 20 teachers. 

Nelly’s relentless drive and visionary approach have not gone unnoticed. She has rightfully earned a place on the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 lists and was hailed as CNN Hero of the Year in 2022. Her relentless pursuit of change is fueled by a deep-rooted commitment to reshaping the lives of those facing similar hardships to her upbringing. 

Driven by her passion, she later established Zawadi School in Kenya, where TechLit Africa took its first steps toward creating a brighter future.

(Information from Forbes, TechLit Africa )