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Computers are important tools, says ZARD

By KALONDE NYATI
THE Zambia Association for Research and Development (ZARD), has observed that the use of computers is still perceived as a luxury by many people in the country though they are important tools for communication and information.
ZARD capacity building officer Chimika Lungu said many people do not appreciate the role the ICT tool plays, because of this, stakeholders need to play an active role in enhancing the use of computers, especially in rural areas.
She said her organisation embarked on a programme called ‘Women’s Information for Development Network (WIDNet)’ aimed at providing basic computer training to women and girls from low income communities.
Of the more than 180 women and girls that have undergone successful training since 2006, some of them have been able to find work and are now able to sustain themselves.
“We also trained a group from Chilanga’s Mapepe farming community and they are now able to record their farm’s daily activities,” she said.
Although her organisation is committed to training more women, failure by some girls and women to take advantage of the programme has remained a challenge.
“Some of the women and girls in these communities have not appreciated the importance of being computer literate. To them computers are for the elite,” she said.
Also, the lack of electricity in rural areas has prevented the organisation from expanding the programme.
“We would want to conduct training in the rural areas but there is no electricity,” she said.
Ms Lungu said there is need for government to intensify the rural electrification programme to spread the supply of power.

 
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