Monis, ITSA's IT Workshop Manager, has been with the charity since day one, so he's experienced all the highs and the lows over the last 11 years. This week we caught up with Monis to give an insight into his thoughts on his time with IT Schools Africa.
Tell us why IT Schools Africa is so important to you?
ITSA is my baby. I was there when it was born and I’ve been here to watch it grow over time as many wonderful people have chosen to nourish the charity by donating equipment. I feel blessed to have witnessed the first moments and to still be a part of the charity today. I truly believe that this charity brings out the good in everyone, I have worked with many volunteers from all different backgrounds and no matter where they come from or who they are, they help others when they come here and develop so many skills.
How has the charity grown since it was first founded in 2004?
It started just with word of mouth. The charities founder helped get the charity on its feet, contacting his friends in the business world and asking them not to throw away their IT equipment because we could give it a new life. We began gaining interest from the local newspaper who put together a nice article spreading the word of ITSA in Cheltenham. The article attracted a lot of local attention and we were flooded with computers people had chosen to give.
What is your favourite thing about being part of the team at ITSA?
Shipment days. Behind every shipment there are many stories of people who have developed and grown some have gained confidence they didn't have before, others are proud of a new skill they've learned. It is a great feeling knowing that a month later when that shipment of computers arrive, many children will be smiling in Africa.
What are your greatest memories over the past 11 years with the charity?
I have so many wonderful memories. I remember an elderly couple, who had gone to so much trouble to clean and repack their old computer and made the effort to find us in Cheltenham all because they wanted to
give something to others.
Something I have seen many times at ITSA, a shy volunteer arriving on their first day, confused probably asking themselves "what am I doing here?" But by day three they've gained new skills, made new friends, built up confidence and are enjoying the satisfaction of giving their time to help African students.
And finally, the wonderful smile on a child’s face as they sees a computer for the first time. Knowing that child has a chance to build a brighter future, that is what it’s all about.
Tell us why IT Schools Africa is so important to you?
ITSA is my baby. I was there when it was born and I’ve been here to watch it grow over time as many wonderful people have chosen to nourish the charity by donating equipment. I feel blessed to have witnessed the first moments and to still be a part of the charity today. I truly believe that this charity brings out the good in everyone, I have worked with many volunteers from all different backgrounds and no matter where they come from or who they are, they help others when they come here and develop so many skills.
How has the charity grown since it was first founded in 2004?
It started just with word of mouth. The charities founder helped get the charity on its feet, contacting his friends in the business world and asking them not to throw away their IT equipment because we could give it a new life. We began gaining interest from the local newspaper who put together a nice article spreading the word of ITSA in Cheltenham. The article attracted a lot of local attention and we were flooded with computers people had chosen to give.
What is your favourite thing about being part of the team at ITSA?
Shipment days. Behind every shipment there are many stories of people who have developed and grown some have gained confidence they didn't have before, others are proud of a new skill they've learned. It is a great feeling knowing that a month later when that shipment of computers arrive, many children will be smiling in Africa.
What are your greatest memories over the past 11 years with the charity?
I have so many wonderful memories. I remember an elderly couple, who had gone to so much trouble to clean and repack their old computer and made the effort to find us in Cheltenham all because they wanted to
give something to others.
Something I have seen many times at ITSA, a shy volunteer arriving on their first day, confused probably asking themselves "what am I doing here?" But by day three they've gained new skills, made new friends, built up confidence and are enjoying the satisfaction of giving their time to help African students.
And finally, the wonderful smile on a child’s face as they sees a computer for the first time. Knowing that child has a chance to build a brighter future, that is what it’s all about.
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