Computer Recycling in The Gambia; Kololi Internet Cafe

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.

Telecentres and Internet Cafes in Gambia.

Telecenters are one of the most rapidly growing applications of IT in the developing world fulfilling the need for a practical and cost-effective way to bring the community of Africa into contact with itself and with the world.

Shared-access to refurbished computers and telephone systems allows the provision of a wide range of services to more users at lower cost than privately-owned home or office computers which are often out of the financial reach of the poorer people.

The definition of a telecenter is as varied as the activities that such a center can offer. Smaller telecenters usually include access to fax, phone, and photocopying, the larger ones may also include a basic internet service.

Others may include targeted activities in education and training, health, e-commerce, e-government services and more. The physical composition of telecenters also varies widely.

Common models include kiosks, school computer labs made available to the public after hours, multipurpose community telecenters, and mobile telecenters.