Message-ID: <4jptuq$mo0@dobie.loop.com> Date: Tue, 2 Apr 1996 00:55:54 GMT From: crw <mailto:crw@LOOP.COM> Subject: Computer Literacy in GHANA-input wanted for proposal To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Computer Literacy Program Ghana, West Africa
Hi! (-:
Hope some of you can help with a general proposal and project description that Dr. Osei Darkwa (U of Ill-Chicago) and I are in the process of researching and writing.
We plan to request funding for the Computer Literacy Program in Ghana.
We have searched the WEB in several ways but have managed to dig up only a sparse amount of material that may be useful to this effort (an example being the discussion we found on the LEAP Reading Literacy program in Mississippi).
Please point us to any related proposals or project descriptions, on-line or not, or send us a note about anything you feel may be helpful.
We would be MOST grateful. It would be a great assist to look over some other material.
Since no Computer Literacy program exists in Ghana beyond some sporadidc efforts by the Ministry of Education, and since the need (based on preliminary assessment in the private and public sectors) is great, we hope in time to move this program to the national level in Ghana....and more, we hope that it will serve as an example for similar efforts in other African nations.
We are especially happy that a highly regarded non-governmental organization of volunteers in Ghana, VOLU, is serving as the vehicle for the Computer Literacy program. This is a major advantage because VOLU has its tentacles in remote rural communities and swelling urban areas alike, and has maintained good rapport with the diverse segments/elements of Ghanaian society.
We are realists, and know there are many hurdles yet to be surmounted.
Any model proposals or project descriptions that you could point us to would be useful.
Any ideas of where we might find funding, would appreciated.
Please cc: your response to
Dr. Osei Darkwa (Director, Computer Literacy-Ghana):
mailto:darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu
Kind regards,
Cecil Washington UC Berkeley
Phone/FAX: 310-632-1582
3697-1/2 Platt Ave. Lynwood, CA 90262-3641
ps: We are still looking for (and in great need of) donated computers, peripherals and equipment for the Computer Literacy program...all kinds and sorts. Co-sponsor Operation Crossroads Africa (mailto:ocainc@aol.com), based in New York, will be sending volunteers to Ghana in late June and will be able to take any donated computer equipment with them. Crossroads is a 501(C)(3) organization and will issue receipts for tax purposes for any donations.
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cc:
Dr. Osei Darkwa E-Mail: mailto:darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu
Office: (312) 996-8508 Home number: (708) 848-7054 FAX (312) 996-2770
Address: 621 S. Maple Oak Park, IL 60304
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COMPUTER LITERACY
Computer Literacy Defined
Computer literacy is defined as that level of knowledge and understanding of the personal computer, desk-top or lap-top, beyond the mere utilization of word processing software. Word processing utilization might be considered as beginning computer literacy. Beyond that, for intermediate and advanced computer literacy, one should (1) be comfortable with installing and configuring common software, (2) be familiar and use regularly a computer modem, (3) be able to access a computer bulletin board or on-line service, (4) be able to send and receive messages via electronic mail (e-mail), (5) be able to upload and download computer files with ease and (6) be able to print from the computer.
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UPDATE ON CONNECTIVITY IN GHANA:
I.
Gideon Hayford Chonia (University Of Zurich; mailto:GhanaNet)k042240@rzu.unizh.ch mailto:gideon@osagyefo.ghana.net, writes:
A project Ghana SchoolNET has been initiated with the Ghana Education Service.
To have more insight of this project, browse through our WEB:
http://rzunextbet1.unizh.ch/index.html/
...We are building a computing center at Kokomlemle, where repairs and courses will be given.
We are networking 50 School together by the end of March 1996 as a pilot installation to E-mail system only.
Full Internet access will be by the end of the year.....
We are still buying the neccessary networking equipments to connect to NCS in Ghana.
I just sent 18 SUNSParc 1+ unix computers for our Academic Computing Center.
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II.
Bill (Wilfred Owen, mailto:Jr.)wowen@reston.aau.org, observes:
Things are moving fast in Ghana and there could be a 128kps VSAT uplink in Accra as early as April - funded by the African Internet Forum (IBRD, UNDP, CIDA, USAID and others): implication: full connectivity in rural Ghana at subsidized rates - at least where there is a digital automatic exchange and decent outside plant. [After 10 days of data transmission here, I am worried about the very slow transmission rates. US Embassy asked me to inquire about amplified drop line to the "info store."(?). Unfortunately, Ghana Telecom here is just not yet familiar with data transmission.] So Ghana in June 1996 may be a bit different than Ghana today and computer fever will be spreading by then.