Rural Communities First Glimpse into the Metaverse
The goal of the Center and Campus for Africa Virtual Reality, located in Kenya, is to expose faraway populations to the metaverse. A former teacher, the founder tried to find more effective methods of keeping students involved. North of Nairobi, a group of young people from Kiambu is getting their first look on VR technology.
Paul Simon Waiyaki Wa Hinga notes that social and economic empowerment is the aim, therefore enabling these groups to share their narratives and local businesses in the metaverse, which might result in financial wellness. He thinks virtual reality can enable these communities to meet the sustainable development objectives. Waiyaki started going around Kenyan villages and offering practical training sessions after he saw little virtual reality expertise there.
The first of its kind in Africa, his group asserts it began weekly metaverse activities in 2019. Over a three-day training program at a Kiambu village hall, people voiced their enthusiasm. One student, Virginia, marvelled at the possibilities VR offers including the ability to virtually travel and make a living.
Members can join the team to start a company and get instruction on using virtual reality technology. Part of the initiative since 2021, Margeret Wanjiru observed that it had increased her self-esteem and allowed her to instruct others, therefore making her feel proud and vital.
A virtual reality specialist, Brian Afande regards Waiyaki's effort as a strong beginning to encourage this technology but stresses the requirement of local creativity. Training people to produce rather than just consume content is really important, he argues, so that they might grasp and use technology to transform their life.
Sometimes, the Africa VR Campus and Center's sessions are stifled by issues like internet access, scepticism, or poor infrastructure. Often called the "Silicon Savannah," Kenya is known as a major technology centre in Africa. . transforms with active learning.
Reference
Africa news & AP – Kenya: An organization gives rural communities first glimpse into wonders of metaverse
Available at- https://www.africanews.com/2024/09/12/kenya-an-organization-gives-rural-communities-first-glimpse-into-wonders-of-metaverse/
(Assessed: 12th March 2025)
