Africa VR Campus and Center: Empowering Remote Communities through Virtual Reality

The Mission

Kenya-based Africa VR Campus and Center is on a mission to give members of remote communities a first glimpse into the wonders of the metaverse.

The founder, a former teacher, was looking for a better way to engage his students.

A group of youngsters from a community in Kiambu, in Nairobi’s north are experiencing the world of VR headsets for the first time.

The Story Behind the Project

“The reason why we do so is of course for social economic empowerment because they too have stories to tell in the metaverse, they too have got their own local grassroots industries that can be incorporated in the metaverse and that brings economic empowerment and financial wellness to them,” Paul Simon Waiyaki Wa Hinga said.

“Sort of bringing the sustainable development goals closer to them using the power of Virtual Reality.”

Waiyaki noticed there was a lack of VR technology know-how in many Kenyan villages and started touring and teaching locals via hands-on sessions.

His organization says it started hosting weekly metaverse events in 2019, claiming to be the first in Africa.

A Journey of Discovery

Young residents who have gathered in a Kiambu village hall are taking part in a three-day training session.

“This is my first time to see a VR set. I am so amazed by the many opportunities and I look forward to the future knowing that I will earn a living through it and I have seen that I can also travel to another country while I am still in Africa,” Virginia, a new student exclaims.

“I can actually see space and all the stars!”

After that, those who are interested can join the team and learn how to use VR and other technologies and even start to make a living.

Margeret Wanjiru joined in 2021. She says the program has not only boosted her self-esteem but has also allowed her to teach others, something she is very proud of.

Conclusion

The Africa VR Campus and Center is paving the way for remote communities to experience the wonders of the metaverse and unlocking new opportunities for economic empowerment and financial wellness.

FAQs

Q: What is the main goal of the Africa VR Campus and Center?

A: The main goal is to give members of remote communities a first glimpse into the wonders of the metaverse and unlock new opportunities for economic empowerment and financial wellness.

Q: How did the project start?

A: The project started with Waiyaki noticing a lack of VR technology know-how in many Kenyan villages and started touring and teaching locals via hands-on sessions.

Q: What is the future of the project?

A: The future of the project is to continue spreading the word about the tech and empowering more people through virtual reality.