Is the digital gap in East Africa narrowing or it’s growing bigger with time?
This is a good question to ask ourselves. I was introduced to the computer world in 2000 having grown up in a humble community in Mathare.
I have come to love technology with all my heart as a user and a maker of e-content in different formats especially websites, videos, articles, photos, graphic design etc. Thanks to the virtual space and the advent of the internet, we can make ourselves even better than yesterday despite our backgrounds. Addressing the question of the digital gap in Africa, while looking at my list of answers, it actually depends on many factors such as if you are living in the remote villages of Mihuru-bay or the urban uptown life of Nairobi, or your daily interaction with technology. Anyways, as we transition to the new era of digital transmission in television broadcasting we shouldn't forget the other important sectors like education.
Some people might argue that the education sector is already digitized, but this depends with where exactly are you basing your fact finding. For example, in Nairobi Eastland’s area there are many schools which don't have a single computer and if they do, they are not enough for the students. Worse off, if you travel into the remote villages in the rural setting, pupils are studying under trees or some makeshift structure in this day and age. It makes me wonder when the digital phenomenon will impact their lives. I think and believe there is more that still needs to be done even in handling small tasks like keeping records, school attendance registry etc.
A picture speaks more than a thousand words… I took this picture on 22nd Feb 2015 in Arusha town. I also presume the teacher recorded the same data in a black book. I spotted this at a primary school in Arusha, Tanzania which is one of the development towns. I bet in Nairobi to you are most likely to find the same type of notice board especially in the primary schools. Technology has changed our lives from the way we communicate, do business, and record data. The big challenge is how we will reach everyone, especially people living in the remote villages and other marginalized groups in the society. There is no single institution that can solve the digital gaps alone. We need to cooperate with the communities, private sector, government, individuals and other institutions build a strong culture behind pro-digital life and this calls for proper planning, passion and commitment which is a lifetime project.
Here is a great article worth reading as social entrepreneurs.
Millennials and the Social Entrepreneurship Revolution By Solène Pignet
"Having a game-changing impact is a key motivation, versus short-term individual financial return... Social entrepreneurship is not only about being your own boss, it is about fulfilling your life purpose and living meaningful experiences."
http://www.triplepundit.com/2015/02/millennials-social-entrepreneurship-revolution/
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