‘Lack of internet access crippling education in rural areas’

Komugisha Fino Esther, Director of Implementation of Programmes, Hello World, has said lack of equal internet access is denying children in rural areas education opportunities.

Fino Esther stated this at the launch of the first ever digital hub in Dakwa in AMAC Area Council of Abuja on Monday.

The digital hub was built jointly by the community, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Hello World.

The facility contains eight tablets loaded with education materials and solar panels, among others.

Speaking while launching the hub, Fino Esther said that the project aims at ensuring that communities in rural areas have access to internet and digital education to bridge the digital divide.

She said, “We want a child from the rural area to compete with another child in the centre of Abuja. We want to make sure that we connect the community with the rest of the world.

“When I went around Dakwa I asked myself how can a child from the area compete with  another child somewhere where they have access to the internet who can go to the internet and do research and we want the child tomorrow to be in a position of power.

“Many children are not giving equal opportunities to education in rural areas because of the digital divide. We have embarked on this project to address the issue.

Speaking also, Dr. Y.Z Ya’u, the Executive Director of CITAD, said the purpose of the event is to mark the formal launch of Dakwa community Hub.

He said, “The facility jointly built by the community CITAD, Hello World so that they can have access to internet and online educational opportunities. Inside the hub are computers loaded with educational materials and internet connection and solar panels.

“The UN resolution has said that the internet is a right to every citizen to ensure that nobody is left behind. The aim is to ensure other communities work the same way as Dakwa”

Dr. Y.Z Ya’u called on governments at all levels to copy from the project.

He added, “I hope that the government will adapt a similar strategy so that communities currently excluded will have access to the internet.”