By Luis Monzon
11th November 2022
To support digital inclusion in rural areas, Dell Technologies South Africa has joined forces with SITA (Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques) and Computer Aid International to launch a digital literacy inclusion hub to support the youth of the Mamaila community in Limpopo.
Called the “Solar Community Hub,” the centre is set to provide access to clean water, electricity, connectivity and a variety of educational opportunities for Mamaila’s population of over 20 000 individuals.
The “Solar Community hub” is also an initiative supported by Dell Technologies in 27 locations in seven countries in partnership with Computer Aid International.
The hub in Mamaila has been built from two connected recycled shipping containers and contains Dell Technology-enabled solutions. It features low-consumption energy technology and solar panels for increased sustainability.
Through the hub, Dell and its partners in this initiative hope it will increase the reach of Internet services for community members at discounted rates and create new economic opportunities through education by providing basic computer and life skills training, including ICDL methodology.
The hub also collects rainwater and has a filtration system.
According to a press release sent to Hypertext, the solar hub project aligns with the South African National Development Plan to reduce poverty and close the gaps of inequality.
“The focus will be to support Limpopo community members to develop 21st-century skills and to create spaces that foster innovation and creativity. Digital skills training will help create better life opportunities for potentially 2 000 people,” the statement reads.
According to Dell, the Mamaila community led by its Tribal Authority has established the first “village community network” internet service providers (ISP) in the Limpopo region powered by Kichose Technology, a Pretoria-based digital solutions provider.
The Mamaila Community Network provides connectivity to the local community, however, the network cannot reach its full potential because people do not have access to information and communications technology devices, and the skills to use them.
This is why Dell says the hub is “critical to make the network accessible to the whole community, while also ensuring community members have access to training and skills for greater financial sustainability in the future.”
The partners hope that the Solar Community Hub in Mamaila becomes a space for local students and entrepreneurs to expand their capabilities and support local economic development.
“Digital literacy is a keystone of 21st Century education, but many communities in South Africa lack reliable access to technology. As one of the largest global technology providers, we have a unique role to play in transforming the future for the better,” said Doug Woolley, general manager, Dell Technologies South Africa.