Small Solutions Big Ideas began in 2010 in response to the overwhelming challenges met by African countries with large youth populations and limited education resources. At that time there was no internet, no cell phones, no computers in schools. We answered that call by supplying laptops, internet, and new learning programs.
Founding members were Sandra Thaxter, Kombana Mokonzi, Alan Papert and Ann Naimie. Sandra Thaxter is the current President, with two Kenyan members based in the US, and staff and a program manager in Kenya. Other board members are Architects, Social Workers and Educators. Founding Member Sandra Thaxter reports: "After 5 years working as a Software Principal Architect at UNICEF, I returned to the Boston area. The MIT initiative at to design laptops for children in developing countries was just being launched. There were African refugees from the Congo who were eager to help their countries educate children by introducing technology. "
In 2009, we made a trip to Africa to meet with non-profit or religious groups who were interested in bringing these educational laptops to their communities. We established a set of requirements. The community selected as beneficiary of our efforts was located in a rural village with many children who were isolated and very poor. The leadership for this project were those who grew up in the community and wanted a better future for its children.
We are a 501c3 all volunteer organization committed to serving our Kenyan community with a light hand and small footprint.
