TL;DR
We are based in a very trad area. The idea of working in a digital career, remotely or anything like that isn’t even on the radar of kids and parents where we are.
So….
We’re launching a school outreach pilot in Kwale—connecting nomads with local students through career talks, donated books, and tech exposure.
Most of these schools have zero digital access, and students have never met anyone working online. If you’re in Diani or passing through, giving just an hour of your time can shift a kid’s entire trajectory.
Minimal prep needed. Couple of hours of your time while visiting Skippers. High impact. Simple.
Why We’re Doing This
Let’s be real—most DNs I’ve met want to give back somehow. But between juggling client calls, visa runs, and trips, it’s tough to find a way that’s structured, impactful, and doesn’t feel like a full-time job.
So we have been working to come up with a model where it’s basically minimal effort to you.
A few hours sharing what you already know—design thinking, digital marketing, remote workflows—can and will massively shift how rural students in Kenya see their futures.
Brain drain = Rural > Urban + Kenya > International
President Ruto reckons 5 000 Kenyans jet off abroad each week, chasing salaries the coast can’t match while 35 % of youth at home stay jobless. “Our biggest export is labour.” – President Ruto, Berlin presser, 14 Sep 2024
So your inspiration can help kids understand that there’s another way. They can get gigs and still stay at home. They don’t need to head off to the big cities or even abroad.
Especially in places like Kwale, one of the country’s least-resourced counties, where schools are working with:
- No computers or libraries
- Shoestring budgets
- Zero exposure to global careers
- Teachers and parents are very sceptical of computers and IT
Meanwhile, you work in:
- Tech
- Product design
- Remote ops
- Global NGOs and startups
So we thought—why not connect the two?
What the Pilot Looks Like
We’re starting small, with local secondary schools near Diani. There are around 10 within about 15 minutes of Skippers.
Here’s what we’re planning to do:
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Career Q&A sessions – Drop in for a 30–60 min chat about your work/life path.
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Book printing – We’re stocking libraries for the first time using low-cost open source book printing.
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Listening to schools – We’re not assuming what they need—we’re asking.
The Research: This Stuff Works
This isn’t just feel-good charity—it’s evidence-backed.
Dropout drops: Career talks reduce school dropout by 10–15%
→ Brookings, 2018Higher aspirations: Students with real-world role models are 2× more likely to aim for uni
→ World Development Report, 2018Better exam scores: 3+ talks = +1 month of learning
→ Education & Employers, 2019Future earnings boost: +18% income in mid-20s after exposure to professionals
→ Kashefpakdel & Percy, 2016Girls in STEM: Career talks boost STEM interest among girls in Kenya
→ FAWE, 2020
How You Can Plug In
If you’re in Diani / Kwale area now or soon:
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We pair you with a local school (usually within tuk-tuk range)
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You pop in for an informal Q&A (we have a template for content + a projector)
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Can be solo or with a small group of nomads
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Time needed: ±2 hrs total
You won’t be on your own one of our team will be there to cover interfacing with the school.
Can’t go in person? Still want to help?
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Donate a book or zine (English or Kiswahili)
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Chip in for book printing (~KES 200 / $1.5 per book)
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Share this with other nomads in Kenya
DM us on Telegram, WhatsApp or email hello@digitalnomadsinafrica.com to get involved.
What’s Next
We’re hoping to:
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Reach 10+ schools by end of 2025
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Print 1,000+ books for school libraries
But this only works if we stay grounded and local-led. So we’ll keep listening to teachers and adapting as we go.
What Did We Miss?
Have you done something like this in another country?
Know an org we should team up with?
Got books to donate or nomads to loop in?
Drop tips, leads or feedback below—this pilot’s just getting started.