Telecentres and Internet Cafes in The Gambia
Gambia Holiday News is a supporter of the Fight
Against Social and Economic Exclusion
In Gambia there are only three computers for every 1000 people
and increasingly employers are demanding computer skills as
a condition for employment. Gambians are eager to learn about
computers,
information systems and the Internet and want to be able
to improve their lives in whatever way possible. Computer
access and training improves their opportunity for employment,
increases their access to information and brings the power
of networking with others.
The Gambia
Holiday News Telecentre and Internet Cafe in Kololi has
evolved into a multi purpose business centre from simply offering
public access to telecommunications such as telephone, fax,
e-mail, Internet and business support services such as word
processing, photocopying and printing.
Three jobs have been created in the refurbishment of the
computer hardware and the experience gained in setting up
the centre has opened other hardware and network maintenance
opportunities. The centre also offers free technical support
to help evaluate local IT needs and requirements.
"Computer & Internet Training Workshops" are
the key components of a particularly effective educational
program recently launched in The Gambia aiming to help bridge
an ever-widening gap in computer and Internet utilisation
between African and Western nations. Staff at the centre give
early hands-on training and exposure to IT through regular
workshops and classes that are open to all.
More advanced workshops have been held in 2006 to help increase
local understanding of the marketing and business opportunities
available on the internet within the export and tourism sectors.
Leaders of local trade and welfare organisations have also
been invited to collate all relevant information and systems
of best practice have been introduced to turn this raw material
into effective marketing websites.
Here is an example of this innovative approach to assist
people and organisations in the production and maintenance
of locally relevant digital information resources, a website
created by staff at the centre for The
Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zones Agency
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