Embedded Files
Project Overview
This project is a three phase plan designed to help bring low-cost Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training and services to communities throughout Ghana.
Phase one will be the construction of a low cost IT centre in Damang Anhuntem near Nsawam in Eastern Region of Ghana
During phase two we shall conduct research to evaluate the results of the centre and the possibility of constructing similar models in Pokuase, within the GA West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, as well as in a further three more regions in other parts of Ghana and West Africa.
If the centre is deemed beneficial, phase three will see it rolled out to other communities that lack ICT training services throughout Ghana and West Africa
Why is this project important?
Developing a model for a low cost ICT centre aimed at rural and peri-urban areas in Ghana is a necessity in helping the country develop, achieve a middle income status and meet the Millennium Development Goals.
Access to computers and the internet brings a wealth of opportunities for communities, the benefits of which have been seen in other developing countries. The VPWA would set up these ICT centres with a focus on building local ICT skills to ensure their sustainability.
The Ghanaian government has identified the development of ICTs as an important means to build national competitive advantage and is promoting a number of national strategies to support computer training across the country. However, this government initiative risks leaving some Ghanaians behind. Outside of major urban areas, ICT training remains hard to come by and there is a significant lack of low-cost IT training programs that are accessible to the less well-off.
Whilst there are some ITC centres offering simple services (internet cafes), they do not focus much beyond simple computer use. There is an opportunity for community ICT centres proposed by VPWA to offer an innovative programme of training aimed at addressing the needs and advancing computer skills within poorer communities.
The challenge with ICT centres is to design them and the training they offer in a way that will deliver positive outcomes in terms of community development so that they can be replicated at low cost elsewhere. Because ICT is a means to improved development, and not a goal we need to ensure this project is sustainable and can be replicated elsewhere. It is therefore important that this project;
has a low set-up cost borne by the centre (therefore the centre will not have to charge large fees to recoup the initial investment)
provides an innovative training programme that benefits the poor
has a cost structure for services that is based on a pay-what-you-can principle so all can have access to the services of the centre
uses local skills to build and maintain the ICT centre long after the implementing company/organisation has departed
The goal of the project is to create a replicable ICT centre model which can be used throughout Ghana and West Africa.
Report abuse