By Eunice Barasa
Nairobi, Kenya
It’s undeniable that technology plays a crucial role in the transfer of knowledge. However, grassroots communities have been disadvantaged owing to a myriad of factors that hinder them from taking advantage of technological solutions. These gaps range from lack of knowledge around existing tech-solutions, limited operational skills and general lack of infrastructure to house the technology.
This dirth exacerbates pre-existing social, economic and to a larger extent political gaps. With such deficiencies, obviously poverty and strained economic opportunities will persist, stalking development in general.
This story explores one tech- based solution that has committedly served grassroots communities for about 5 years and brings to the fore success strategies and challenges alike and what the future looks like.
Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) has made significant strides across Africa in disseminating knowledge through tech. This has been achieved through a robust social media – based network as indicated by Kenyan born social media networking expert, blogger, and SAWBO’s Knowledge Manager for Africa, James Kamuye Kataru.
Through this dedicated network, crucial information is passed down to communities.
What is SAWBO?
Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) transforms expert knowledge into educational animations, which are then translated into multiple languages from around the world. SAWBO uses a rigorous co-creation and review process to create highly accurate content.
To this date, these animations have been translated into more than 300 languages worldwide. This is to increase reachability to diverse audiences in the 25 African countries where SAWBO operates. These animations cover categories like agriculture, health, women’s empowerment, peace and justice and a lot more are in the pipeline.
Easy Access for All

According to Mr. James Kataru “SAWBO’s success is pegged on the simplicity of its animation videos which are easy to watch and interpret”. In this way learning becomes accessible for everyone. “The main aim is to reach everyone despite their location, or level of education”. He adds. The shareability of the videos has also been simplified – via Bluetooth which is effective in areas with limited internet coverage connectivity.
Community Engagement and Support
Volunteers have played a key role in enhancing community outreach and the dissemination process. They train communities on how to access, download and utilize SAWBO content effectively. “In this way, grassroots communities are empowered to eventually own the educational resources and be part of the much-needed solutions”. Says Mr. Kataru
Rising Demand and Future Prospects

As SAWBO’s visibility grows, more communities have expressed interest to access these animation videos. The only hurdle lies with communities’ lack of resources to reach these educational tools. These hurdles do not dampen SAWBO’s optimism to widen its impact on the African continent . The potential for these animations to improve livelihoods and quality of life is immense.
A Lifelong Commitment
Looking back, Mr. Kataru is a happy man and passionately states, “I don’t intend to retire from working with SAWBO content because it’s more of a way of life for me, SAWBO has become part of my daily schedule while working on my own farm or serving the community. No day ends without sharing an animation with family or friend”. He adds. Mr Kataru has witnessed the transformative power of the animations. “I have witnessed gardens blossom, food security realized in homes, the spread of contagious diseases contained. The impact is there!” He affirms.
SAWBO’s success is testament that technology – designed with the end user in mind- has unlimited potential to create solutions and bring about the desired change in record time, with proper strategy and dedication.
About Eunice Barasa
Eunice is a Sustainability/Circularity and Food Security Advocate using the digital space to enhance climate literacy and community development.
She is a Development Practitioner, author writer.