CNN — Nelly Cheboi, the 2022 CNN Hero of the Year, made the decision in 2019 to leave her lucrative software engineering job in Chicago and establish computer labs for schoolchildren in Kenya. She was chosen by online voters as the top CNN Hero from this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes. Through her nonprofit organization, TechLit Africa, Cheboi has provided thousands of students in rural Kenya with access to donated computers that have been refurbished. By doing so, she is giving these children the opportunity for a brighter future. During the award ceremony, Cheboi shared the stage with her mother, expressing gratitude for her hard work in providing their education. As the CNN Hero of the Year, Cheboi will receive $100,000 to expand her work. Additionally, all the top 10 CNN Heroes will receive a cash award of $10,000, as well as grants, organizational training, and support from The Elevate Prize Foundation through a new partnership with CNN Heroes. Furthermore, Nelly will be recognized as an Elevate Prize winner and will receive a grant of $300,000 and additional support worth $200,000 for her nonprofit. Having grown up in poverty in Kenya, Cheboi understands the hardships faced by the children she helps. Her passion for computer science was ignited during her junior year at Augustana College in Illinois when she took a programming course. Since then, she has dedicated herself to bringing computer science education to her community. TechLit Africa focuses not only on computer skills but also on touch-typing, which Cheboi believes is essential for success in modern society. Her organization accepts computer donations from various sources and ensures they are refurbished before being distributed to partner schools in rural communities. The students receive daily classes and have the opportunity to learn from professionals in various fields, ranging from music production to coding. Currently serving 10 schools, TechLit Africa aims to expand its reach to 100 more schools in the coming year. Cheboi’s ultimate goal is for the children benefiting from TechLit Africa to be equipped with the skills needed to secure online jobs and pursue successful careers. By providing resources and valuable skills, she believes she is opening up a world of opportunities for these children. The 2022 CNN Heroes award ceremony was co-hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa and featured a range of celebrity presenters. The night was filled with inspiring stories of heroism and advocacy, highlighting the incredible work being done by individuals and organizations around the world. CNN Heroes has partnered with GoFundMe, enabling viewers to make donations directly to the non-profit organizations of the Top 10 honorees. Supporters can visit CNNHeroes.com to make online donations, and Subaru is matching all donations up to $50,000 for each honoree until January 3, 2023. If you know someone in your community who is making a significant positive impact, consider nominating them as a CNN Hero in 2023. You can also explore the stories of past CNN Heroes who have made a difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide.