E-mail
RSS
Twitter
Linkedin
FacebookCountry of activity:
South Africa
Web site:
Category:
A Global Village
Vision, objectives and goals:
This project already shows that high tech equipment can be effectively used in a deep-rral setting. The people have shown the desire to receive the equipment and followed this up by using the centre to capacity and already asking for assistance in obtaining more computers and access to the Internet.
This example of a successful, deep-rural ICT Centre needs to be replicated in other rural settings. The financial support through corporate sponsoring (in exchange for example naming rights of the centre) are needed to start more such centres. This will help to bring more people into the information society, thereby increasing the opportunities for education and e-commerce, currently deprived even of a telepone line.
How ICT contributes to the organisational objectives:
The centre has been used more than initially expected. The computer literacy and ability to train other was higher than expected and there is Now a resulting demand for more PCs for the centre.
The existing level of literacy underlines the capacity of rural people to accept high tech solutions and integrate them into their own lifestyle.
Once the telecom line has been installed, users will be able to register for and complete tertiary-level studies via the Internet, use the African Digital Library and other free research resources made available via the AfricaEducation.org portal website.
User needs:
The community development committee in Kgautswane asked for assistance in obtaining PCs and access to the Internet. Although No one had such equipment or access locally, they had heard about it and wanted to join the information society.
Summary:
The Kgautswane area is a deep-rural village with No electricity and, prior to the project, had No telephone access. The project build on an already running Community Building Programme and intended to provide access to computer equipment, business related equipment and services such as binding, lamination and typing. The project was funded by the World Bank and was implemented in 1999.
The equipment provided consisted of an IBM server, three workstations, 2 small uninteruptable power supplies, modem, printer/scanner and a large custom designed desk. Power is being provided by a petrol driven generator and the centre is operated for up to 18 hours per day in this way.
Uses of the equipment is for creating documents such as business plans, planning documents and other documents important to the community development of the village. Compuer training is provided by local teachers and others who have previously received training in cities.
As the centre has received just one telephone line that can only be used for voice (it canNot carry a modem or fax service), the centre awaits the provision of a telephone service of an adequate quality that will enable it to communicate with the rest of the world.
Competition year:
2000