Association for the Advancement of Innovative Information and Communication Technologies for Rural Development
Village Scribe Association
Supported Projects
The first Project:
The ECSPIRT Project
Eastern Cape Schools Participatory Internet Research and Training Project
Background, Goals and Methods
A major problem in African schools is the lack of qualified teachers. In the Eastern Cape alone, 900 Maths and Science teachers are currently being sought. Part of the problem is the large number of rural schools in the province that are relatively isolated and have very bad infrastructure (no power, water or facilities). Such conditions prevail across Africa. Educated people migrate; the teachers do not live in the area and therefore have a long journey to work, which further hinders their reliable continuous presence at school.
The ECSPIRT project introduced a two-pronged solution against this complex problem in situations where computers and Internet access are available. Firstly, an ongoing, sustainable and independent training structure is being set up. This ensures that generations of scholars will receive appropriate training and that the computer lab will be used to full capacity. Secondly and parallel to the training programme, a new innovative Web 2.0 based software awareNet is used to assist the scholars with education and communication.
More details of the ECSPIRT Training Program and awareNet >>
Completed:
The Predecessor:
The Solar School Computer Project
Description of Project, Participants, Goals
The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), a U.S.-based NGO working in conjunction with the South African company eKhaya ICT, implemented a solar school computer lab at the Zwelenqaba Senior Secondary School in Tafelahash in the former Transkei (South Africa). Several sponsors supported this project, e.g. the Kellogg Foundation, the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, and the Dell South Africa Development Fund. The project was completed with the opening ceremony on the 1st of August 2008. Presently teachers and learners are being trained to use and apply computer technologies so that in the future the system of training and transmission of knowledge will pay for itself. The special focus of this project is on researching the usage of the Internet for innovative methods of establishing rural connectivity and implementing distance learning that can be replicated throughout South Africa in the MRAs.
More details about The Solar School Computer Project and current progress >>
A New Phase of Projects:
The Village Scribe Project
Empowering the People and Improving Sustainability
It is imperative that the whole community is exposed to the technology about which their children are learning. There are many potential possibilities of the computer lab resource which benefit the community, starting with basic computer skills, general sourcing of information and access to the globalised world by social networking and joint ventures to the point of eGovernment and eCommerce. A village scribe who understands the Internet as well the culture and structure of the MRAs, can provide great help. Further, through participation and understanding, we expect the community to come to value the resource and thus to help in its upkeep and protection. We have reached an optimal goal when the new situation and possibilities are discussed at home by all members of the family.
More details about The Village Scribe Project incl. eGovernment and eCommerce >>
Current Progress in The Village Scribe Project >>
The new solar panels at the Bafazi JSS that was also integrated into the Zwelenqaba School Project.
The learners of the Bafazi JSS are looking forward to the computer classes.
Mr Yankee, the Geography teacher, in the new computer lab of the Zwelenqaba SSS, is able to diagnose and fix minor computer problems and also very keen to learn how to program.
Installation of the solar panels
Mr Msindwana, the first Village Scribe in Nkwalini, Eastern Cape.
