JUNE/JULY 2013 | £5.25 - Wind Energy Network

Renewable worldWind/ Solar Energybridging the “Digital Divide” in AfricaSongambele, TanzaniaWe all know that wind energy canlight homes and businesses, but howabout powering ‘entrepreneurial spirit’through education and informationaccess?Today, social and economic developmentis based on a “knowledge economy”in which access to knowledge isdirectly related to ICTS - the modernmeans of information communicationand acquisition. However, as ICTSrapidly advance, the gap between the“information-haves” and the “informationhave-nots” continues to widen. In manylow-income countries such as Tanzania,participation in even a full course of basiceducation is not universal.Digital divideThe wind-solar hybrid project inSongambele, supported by RenewableWorld and it’s East African partner, theArid Lands Information Network (ALIN),specifically addresses this “digital divide”,recognising that increased educationalparticipation and achievement ensure thatknowledge and skills can be harnessedto improve health, raise incomes, sustaineconomic growth and promote equity.Information centreThey have developed a “Maarifa” orInformation Centre, powered by a 1kwturbine and solar panels. It containsbooks, CDs and perhapsmost vitally computerswith internet capacity. TheCentre is used as a meansto connect Songambelewith its local region, with itscountry and with the world.Global Wind Day 2013 isfeaturing Renewable World’swork in Songambele, Tanzania, todevelop corporate partnerships andraise vital funds to continue to buildit’s East Africa Programme.Developing business skillsin the communityTo encourage economicdevelopment and create businessopportunities, adults and childrenalike are given basic ICT skills.They have studied five modules:Introduction to Computers,Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,Microsoft Power Point, and Internetand E-mail. The students are able touse their training both to train othersand to transform their own lives,and those of the community aroundthem. Many of the young peoplewho have taken the course hopeto pursue further studies online andseek internet-related work, or setup their own businesses.“The ICT modules taught have been veryuseful to the community” said HeriethSila, Maarifa Centre Field Officer “theyhave started applying them in differentareas in their lives. Some of the youthtrainees like Johari Farijala have alreadybeen booked for employment.”Gateway to the futureThe Maarifa Centre is a gateway to anew kind of future for local residents. Youcan help us bridge the “digital divide”and assist locals to set up new businessinitiatives.Renewable Worldwww.renewable-world.org/globalwinddayClick to view more info112www.windenergynetwork.co.uk