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Vision
Our goal is to use Information Technology to help people to improve their lives in developing countries.
ICT can transform learning for young people in African schools lacking resources. A few CD ROMs may carry more information than a school library, and where there is Internet access, teachers have even more information at their fingertips. A school computer lab enables students to learn in exciting new ways, while acquiring computing skills that will open up employment opportunities later on.
In a rural clinic, ICT can give health workers the information and advice they need to provide a community with quality health care, and provide the chance for staff to improve their qualifications through distance learning.
ICT in a community centre in a small town far from the capital opens a world of possibilities. Farmers learn about crop prices and get useful advice; entrepreneurs are inspired to develop new products and access new markets; young people discover opportunities for study and employment; people can access independant news about Government and political issues; and people keep in touch with families spread around the world.
Achievements
In the past four years Digital Links has distributed 70,000 computers to schools and other institutions in Africa, helping to improve education delivery and creating economic opportunities for around 1.5 million people.
We have made computers accessible and affordable on a large scale. We operate by receiving donations of redundant computers from UK companies. We professionally refurbish them and distribute them to schools, hospitals and community based organisations in developing countries.
We now work in 21 countries across Africa and Eastern Europe, with a special focus in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana.
Training and Support
Although we can send computers directly to organisations such as Universities and NGO’s, computers are usually distributed through a network of distribution partners. Their role is to handle computers on a large scale, co-ordinate deployment, and offer training and support to the institutions that receive computers. We put a lot of effort into building skills of our distribution partners, ensuring that those that receive computers are fully supported. We can also help our partners to get free or low-cost operating systems and application software, and we have access to a large range of training materials and educational content that we can share. We have experience in the use of a number of emerging technologies including wireless and solar power, specifically for an African context.
Innovation
Digital Links is also involved in a number of projects that look at how IT can be used to have a greater impact on local communities. In South Africa, we are using computers to improve Science teaching in schools; in Sierra Leone we are using computers and wireless technology to improve access to information for schools, hospitals, and community centres; and in Rwanda we are using solar technology and laptop computers to bring ICT rural primary schools.
To find out more about us check out our latest news
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