CNN
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Nelly Cheboi, the 2022 CNN Hero of the Year, decided to quit her lucrative software engineering job in Chicago in 2019 to create computer labs for Kenyan schoolchildren.
She was selected as CNN Hero of the Year from among this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes through online voting.
Cheboi’s nonprofit organization, TechLit Africa, has given thousands of students in rural Kenya access to donated computers, providing them with a better future.
During her acceptance speech, Cheboi dedicated the award to her hardworking mother and performed a song that held a special meaning from her childhood.
As CNN Hero of the Year, Cheboi will receive $100,000 to expand her work. In addition, she will be named an Elevate Prize winner, which comes with a $300,000 grant and additional support valued at $200,000 for her nonprofit.
Cheboi grew up in poverty in Kenya and understood the struggles of hunger and limited opportunities. However, she received a full scholarship to Augustana College in Illinois, where she discovered her passion for computer science.
Despite initially lacking experience with computers, Cheboi fell in love with computer science and decided to bring her knowledge back to her community in Kenya.
She faced challenges in learning basic computer skills but eventually mastered touch-typing, which became an integral part of the TechLit curriculum.
Cheboi realized that many companies were discarding computers during technology upgrades and started transporting donated computers back to Kenya in her personal luggage.
In 2019, she co-founded TechLit Africa, which accepts computer donations and refurbishes them before distributing them to partner schools in rural communities.
Through TechLit Africa, children aged 4 to 12 receive daily classes and opportunities to learn various skills from professionals, including music production, video production, coding, and personal branding.
Cheboi’s goal is to partner with 100 more schools within the next year and empower students to find job opportunities through their acquired skills.
Watch the moment CNN’s Hero of the Year is announced
An Inspiring Night of Heroism and Advocacy
The 16th Annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” was co-hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa, featuring celebrity presenters.
Actress and singer Sofia Carson and songwriter Diane Warren performed a song dedicated to the heroes of the night.
Actor Aubrey Plaza introduced CNN Hero Aidan Reilly, founder of the Farmlink Project, which connects excess food to those in need.
Debra Vines, founder of The Answer Inc., which supports families impacted by autism, was honored by actress Holly Robinson Peete.
Carie Broecker, founder of Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, was honored by actor Justin Theroux and his rescue dog Kuma.
Two teenagers, Ruby Chitsey and Sri Nihal Tammana, were honored as 2022 Young Wonders for their efforts in making a positive impact in their communities.
The show also recognized Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman, Georgia poll workers affected by false allegations of election fraud.
CNN has partnered with GoFundMe to enable donations to this year’s Top 10 honorees, with Subaru matching all donations up to $50,000 for each honoree.
If you know someone making a difference in your community, consider nominating them as a CNN Hero in 2023 or explore the stories of past CNN Heroes who have impacted millions of lives across the globe.
