Name: Purity Wanjiku
Class Year: 2027
Major: Prospective Mathematics and Economics
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Internship Organization: Layim Tehi Tuma (LTT) Translation:Thinking Together
Internship Title: Dalun ICT Centre LTT Fellow
Location: Tamale, Ghana
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
This summer, I have had the incredible opportunity to work at the Dalun ICT Centre, a community initiative dedicated to offering practical ICT lessons for free to students in the Dalun community. My role involves teaching children, ranging from basic 1 (grade 1 equivalent) to junior high school, the fundamentals of computer use.
Starting from the very basics, I guide them on how to turn on a computer, use a mouse and keyboard, and navigate the desktop interface. Despite the challenge of having only sixteen computers and a high demand for lessons, I have been actively managing resources to ensure every student gets adequate time and attention. This includes scheduling classes, maintaining the equipment, and making sure all students benefit from the available resources.
It's incredibly rewarding to witness the children's progress and enthusiasm as they develop new skills. Their excitement and curiosity fuel my passion for teaching and reinforce the importance of digital literacy in today's world.
Why did you apply for this internship?
The mission of the Dalun ICT Centre to offer practical ICT lessons for free resonated deeply with me. I was inspired by their commitment to making education accessible to all students, regardless of their background or financial status. Furthermore, working closely with the local community and understanding their needs and challenges is something I find deeply fulfilling. This internship provides a platform for me to engage with the community, learn from them, and contribute to their growth and development.
Was there anything special about how you found this internship?
Last summer, while doing my visa application to come to Bryn Mawr, I was looking for Kenyan alums and current students online to connect with and learn about their experiences at Bryn Mawr. During my search, I met Jean Valencia Ngujiri '26, a fellow Kenyan, on Instagram. I viewed her stories where she posted pictures of her and some students in Ghana. Intrigued, I asked her about it, and she explained that she was doing an internship at the Dalun ICT Centre through Layim Tehi Tuma(LTT), an organization providing experiential learning opportunities in Ghana. The LTT program offers internships at three sites: Dalun ICT Centre, Simli Radio, and Titagya/Dahansheli Schools. What made it even more appealing was that it was a fully funded internship via the Career and Civic Engagement Center at Bryn Mawr.
By the time I arrived at Bryn Mawr, I was already excited about the possibility of applying for this internship. I kept a close watch for the application link and made it a point to attend career fairs, where I eventually met the LTT program coordinator, Professor Alice Lesnick. She provided me with more information about the program, solidifying my decision to apply.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
My favorite part of this internship has been the cultural immersion. Every Monday and Wednesday afternoons, we had dance lessons where I learned Dagomba dances like the Tora and Jara. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I participated in Dagbani language lessons, which enabled me to introduce myself and engage in basic communication with my students and the local community.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit historic and cultural places such as Cape Coast, the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Centre. These visits were deeply enriching, focusing on black studies and promoting Pan-Africanism. Trying Ghanaian food was also a delightful bonus!
Career & Civic Engagement Center Mathematics Economics