Butterfly Works

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Hollands second largest newspaper, De Volkskrant published a half-page article on African internet users today.

Butterfly Works initiative Nairobits was featured heavily with Mark Kamau being interviewed.

The story was titled 'Pull Africa out of the doldrums with the internet' and focused on the new generation of young Africans known as 'Cheetahs'

The cheetah generation find new solutions to old problems and have been quick to embrace the internet as a tool for change.

The term Cheetah was coined in 2007 by Ghanian Economist George Ayittey, who compares the Cheetahs to the older generations he calls 'Hippos' who are content to complain about colonialism and imperialism.

Reporter Stefanie Vermeulen called Nairobits "possibly the most successful initiative to date" and a great brief introduction is given to the program.

Mark Kamau, refered to as 'Cheetah-director' of Nairobits is quoted:

"Without the internet we would still be stuck in that dark hole... (the) internet is for everyone, every day i am thankful, it feels amazingly good!"

Butterfly Works is proud to see the Nairobits programme continue to be recognised over ten years after we developed the original concept.

Ineke Aquarius, Butterfly Works Co-Founder and Program Director says:

"Marks journey from yesterdays' Nairobits student to todays Cheetah-Manager is an inspirational one, and illustrates the importance of new media and the resiliance of this new African generation"

Butterfly Works' Nairobits adventure began as one year training program in web design for the youth of Nairobi's Mathare slums, resulting in an exhibition.

The tremendous success of the initiative prompted the continuation of the program that over time developed into an extensive curriculum that is constantly updated and adapted.

NairoBits is now run independently by a team of Kenyan managers and teachers.

With a nearly 100% employment rate for their graduates, Nairobits represents a unique opportunity of life change for the youth of the slums.

On the successful model of Nairobits, Butterfly Works also co-developed Zanzibits and Addisbits, replicating the model in Zanzibar and Addis-Abiba.

We are now busily developing Mamabits, the 'mother of all Bits': a franchiseholder and support centre that will ensure training and assistance to all Bits projects.

Mark Kamau continues to inspire and was recently as speaker at TEDx Amsterdam where his speech was considered a highlight of the day and was covered by Wired UK. See Marks TEDx speech here