1st Summit on Community Networks in Africa

November 22-23rd, 2016

Venue: University of Nairobi, Kenya

John DadaFantsuam Foundation, Nigeria

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F Fantsuam FoundationCr Creating Opportunities for Growth and Service

MISSION: To eliminate poverty and disadvantage through integrated development programs

PROGRAMS: Rural ICT Development, Sustainable Livelihoods and Health

Cross-cutting issues: Gender, disability, National Volunteering , HIV/AIDS and ageing issues

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Fantsuam Foundation Rural ICT Services

Basic Computer Literacy TrainingComputer Maintenance TrainingComputer Based -Test training for University entry examinationsCommunity based wireless network

Fantsuam Foundation Rural ICT Services

Children’s computer clubFantsuam provides services to two Government institutions Capacity building for secretarial staff of tertiary educational

institutionOther IT related services

Fantsuam Market

Growing demand for ICT services: Kafanchan has 3 tertiary institutions, 7 banks, a growing civil servant population and entrepreneurs

The introduction of Computer based university entrance examinations: Computer-Based Test centres

Fantsuam Market

University qualifying examinations now have to be written at certified test centres.

Rural students are at disadvantage on two points -distance to available certified test centres -capacity on how to use the computer

Fantsuam Market Contd

Fantsuam now a certified rural CBT centre with 260 computers and hopes to acquire more

Fantsuam offers short term coaching for students just before the examinations

Test Centres are profitable ventures: examination authority pays for the use of the centre.

Challenge of Internet Access

Internet Service Provision usually private sector-driven≈ cost implications

Regulator’s dilemma: Before now no license category available for Not-For-Profits who wish to become Internet Service Providers.

Challenge of Internet Access

Last Mile access remains largely Government-subsidized due to profit constraints

Fantsuam persists in providing access at the Last Mile. Government’s promised support has not been reliable in the past, however, there are new indications that, that promise will be fulfilled this year - a dedicated 512/258b bandwidth

Computer-Based Test Centre

» The Roles of Various Local Actors:3 cyber cafes also providing basic computer

trainingSMEs: Retail shops and DIY stores sending staff

for trainingKafanchan is now served by the three major

Mobile service providers, but none of them provides reliable service

Emerging Emergency Needs

» Sectarian clashes – Boko haram, cattle rustlers, farmers/herders clashes – large populations of internally displaced persons Attacks by Boko Haram in Nigeria have killed more than 600 school teachers and forced 19,000 to become displaced. These teachers need to be supported to recover from the trauma and time loss of professional knowledge and skills they suffered, to enable them support the millions of children in their care

CPD4IDT

Continuing Professional Development For Internally Displaced Teachers = CPD4IDTAn opportunity for promoting social cohesion and foster digital inclusionChallenges-Expertise in CPD not common,-Need for tailored curriculum-Teachers widely dispersed-In poorly connected locations,-High cost of connectivity-Enabling environment by relevant Government agencies

Rural Network Services

- Curriculum to reinforce teaching practice.-Meet the immediate needs of teachers: trauma care, improving mental strength, develop positive outlook, resilience, -Encourage strong communual growth with focus on internally displaced youths in the refugee community. -Reinforce basic skills in Mathematics, English & local and popular vocational training.

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Community Networks can help

Wireless network training

Sustainability Strategy

Model of integrated rural development with elements of social services supported by some income streams. Incubation of new business ideas until it begins to yield profit-Microfinance services-Introducing modern agricultural practices: improved seeds, organic fertilizer, market linkages for grains-Basic Computer training, computer maintenance-Means tested payment for services-Government patronage to pay for some services

Development challenges as opportunities for community cohesion

Set backs due to political instability: economic downturn, security of life and property

Community engagement in identifying causes, solutions, quick wins

Emphasis on vulnerable members of the community: older persons, people with disabilities,

Critical role as a trusted impartial arbiter Identified with all community challenges, recognized

and accepted as a critical stakeholder in community development

Na godeI thank you