Technology and Poverty. How can Technology help in Poverty Alleviation Presented by LC2

Technology should benefit all people the same way. Currently the wealthy get the most out of technology - it is a luxury to them. The poor do not gain from it – it is a far fetched dream. There is a huge gap between the rich and the poor - technology wise. Basic computer skills to be compulsory at least up to grade 12 The gap needs to be narrowed if all the children have to compete on the same market and have equal contribution to building the world and become role players in this century and centuries to come. Bridging the Digital Divide

Computer literacy – Typing and internet access Educational Tool Educational projects ICT as a career ICT as a way of life Updates and keep abreast with current events, news and developments Educational programs Uses of ICT Uses of ICT

State – should tackle this and take a leaf from the *Libyan approach and also give incentives to private companies that take the lead to make ICT accessible to the poor and rural areas (*The Libyan government has embarked on a program to provide every learner with a laptop). Nepad e- schools project to be fast tracked to cover the rural and schools in informal settlements. Municipalities – (as the delivery point), should take the lead as they have access to all the citizens Private Sector – Have the capability of donating facilities like satellite connections to remote areas. NGO’s – with their background, they can easily identify areas that need the facilities more. Who Should Take the Responsibility

Where to Put up the Facilities The facilities should be accessible to everybody and the following places will be best suited for such: MMMMunicipal offices MMMMeshate (chiefs and indunas kraals) YYYYouth and community centers  L L L Local shops/stores/cafés CCCChurches SSSSchools #### Accessibility will ensure that learners are able to have access and do home-works, assignments, projects or any school related task even after hours at places near their homes. Currently only those with pc’s at home can do these.

How can Technology Address Poverty Job hunting by school leavers and graduates. Prepare learners for the world of job. Bursaries for learners who completes grade 12. University websites to get more information, guidance and download application forms. Possible donors or partners in programs addressing poverty can be posted or found on the internet. Learn of poverty alleviation projects/programs from other countries/their experiences. New and creative ways on fighting poverty e.g. the Romanian project where government gives poor families 10 goats each which is a sustainable way. Share ideas with people/peers in similar situations or circumstances. Recruit young people into taking ICT as a career and fund them. Encourage young people to start ICT projects which are subsidized by government.

Concluding thoughts ! Poverty causes an assault to human dignity. Poverty is a worldwide threat to peace and stability. Serious steps to fight poverty have to be taken in a collaborative way. It is the children who need to be freed from the claws of poverty. Education is the sure way to fight poverty. ICT can play a role.

Prepared for the Elective Module 9 – Learning with Projects – Project Based Activity Presented by LC 2 and Makau KL and Makau KL