More Internet Access For Sierra Leone
The World Computer Exchange Aims to Get Sierra Leone's Youth Online
Sep 5, 2008
The World Computer Exchange is helping young people in Sierra Leone to connect with the internet. Based in the United States, this globally active non governmental organisation is hard at work making arrangements for a second shipment of personal computers to be sent to the small West African state ranked by the United Nations as one of the world's least developed countries.
Computers for the Developing World
The World Computer Exchange (WCE) was founded 15 years ago by Timothy Anderson. Today, Mr.Anderson presides over its operations in 65 nations worldwide. The WCE seeks to close the information gap between developed and developing countries through donations of second-hand computers to states where such technology is a luxury that only a fortunate few can access.
The Most Powerful Learning Tool on the Planet
A personal computer with internet access is perhaps the most powerful learning tool on the planet. In Sierra Leone where the literacy rate is a scant 30%, personal computers are a dream come true for students, young and old. Computers are a very effective means of teaching willing learners of all ages to communicate through a new, exciting medium. Increaded and widespread access to personal computers could potentially revolutionize education in Sierra Leone.
Bureaucratic and Sponsorship Hurdles
The WCE is currently in the process of arranging a second shipment of personal computers to Sierra Leone. However they are facing several obstacles. They have yet to collected enough used computers or sponsors for shipping costs for a commitment to be announced.
Mr.Anderson explained, ”My understanding of what will be needed to make this successful is our having a more clear idea where at least one-third of the sourcing and shipping costs will be coming from prior to making a firm offering to the interested groups in Sierra Leone,"
In 2005 the WCE helped organize a donation of 100 personal computers to Sierra Leone. Unfortunately, a bureaucratic road block caused a two year delay before the computers could be shipped. Once they arrived at their destination, 30 of the computers disappeared but the remaining 70 were distributed to developmental programs.
Mr. Anderson estimates that for computer donors and shipping sponsors to "raise the balance of the sourcing and shipping costs [...] usually takes several months."
Common Goals
While there are many unique aspects of being born in one of the world's poorest countries, young Sierra Leoneans have many things in common with youths every where. Popular music, films and dancing are as sought after in Freetown as in Frankfurt. Like other youths, Sierra Leone's young people dream of getting an education, a good job and some day making a meaningful contribution to society. Internet access could place a world of opportunity at their fingertips.
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