Lucious a. Phiri
Malawi
Telecentres have played and are playing a significant role in promoting the spread of ICTs among rural population in a number of ways. Since the introduction of telecentres to rural communities local people have been brought together to solve their common problems through diverse of programs the centres offer. This has promoted team work which result in combined effort in addressing common challenges and help to contribute to global community where information is shared with the lest of the world.
Telecentres have promoted agriculture production in rural areas. In Malawi for example people of Goliati area are benefiting alot through telecentre services by using internet for learning new methods of farming, selling their products and also checking prices of similar products in other locations. This has not only helped farmers but cross section of people who use the centre as a mini-town because of services that are found in urban areas.
ICTs in rural areas enables disadvantaged people access information for free which could cost alot of money. These services have helped promote reverse outward migration. As more people move from rural to urban areas in search for better services the establishments of telecentres have helped reverse this movement hence help to retain productive people for development.
Edwin Galiwango
Uganda
Telecentres are diverse, varying in the clientele they serve, the services they provide, as well as their business or organizational model. Around the world, some telecentres include NGO-sponsored, local government, commercial, school-based. Public access to the Internet in libraries may also be considered within the “telecentre concept”, especially when the range of services offered is not limited to pure access but also includes training end-users. Each type has advantages and disadvantages when considering attempts to link communities with ICTs and to bridge the digital divide.
Fred Safari
Kenya
Telecentres have recently become a development option to address the lack of access to telecommunications services in many countries of the world, particularly developing countries. They offer an alternative model for access in areas traditionally lacking telecommunications infrastructure, such as rural areas and pre-urban areas, and provide an array of ICT services, training and resources needed for community development.
From a gender perspective, telecentre projects have made efforts to consider the disparate needs of women and men in the communities they serve. I can mention a few telecentres that are gender sensitive are more likely to attract women users, increase demand for their services and, consequently, became sustainable enterprises.
Masahudu M. Marhey
Ghana
Telecentre allows local communities to interact with other communities and institutions at regional level and national level. This strengthens social inclusion of disadvantaged groups and rural communities.
Over and above all these, telecentre is out to achieve the following objectives in Ghana;
-To assist in building the digital divide between rural and urban areas
-To serve as a hub for the Metropolitan, Municipal, District Assemblies (MMDAs) and provide WAN for the other Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), Hotels, Schools, Hospital etc.
-To provide community information needs and enhance national integration
-To create ICT awareness in the rural areas.
-To disseminate information to the rural communities especially in areas of health, local government, environment, agriculture etc.
-To provide opportunity for ICT training in the communities
-To provide business activities in the areas by providing market information on improve agriculture production and extensive services
-Support for community based organizations through promotion of workshops and publication resources.
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