Bridging The Divide Through Telecentres

Concerted efforts are being made by governments the world over especially by those of developing nations, to close the digital gap existing between their countries and the technologically advanced in Europe, the United States and some Asian countries.

Some of these countries are investing heavily on the development of ICT tools and applications as well as creating the enabling environment for easier and wider access to these tools.

Before now, the Cyber café played a major role in this regard as people who could not afford computer systems and Internet facilities were relying on the Café for their information, research and educational needs. However, the glaring abuse of the Café by cyber fraudsters in addition to the infrastructural challenges facing the industry has led to a steady but gradual death of the once vibrant business.

This development seems to be a global problem. As a result, countries the world over are now concentrating on developing telecentres to serve their citizens in particular and the society in general. The telecentres apart from promoting computer education would also enhance better access to the Internet and prepare both users and the community for the challenges of the 21st century.

The telecentre is a public place where people can access computers, the Internet and other technologies that help them gather information and communicate with others at the same time as they develop digital skills.

While each telecentre is different, the common focus is to support community and social development - reducing isolation, bridging the digital divide, promoting health issues, creating economic opportunities, reaching out to youths etc. utilizing appropriate technologies.

Already, computer giants, HP has shown a very passionate interest in building such centres. It commenced work on its advanced computing and telecentre at the University of Ibadan worth over $80, 000 in both equipment and services. Sometime ago, there was the Nigeria Telecentre Network Summit.

There is equally an initiative known as the Nigeria Multipurpose Community Telecentre Programme. All these are geared towards building the appropriate telecentres for the country.

This magazine is appealing to governments at all levels in Nigeria to show greater commitment in the effort at bridging the digital divide.

IT multinationals doing business in Nigeria should also give more back to the society by way of emulating the HP gesture and get more involved in efforts at creating a knowledge economy for the country. This is the tradition all over the world.