Benin - Banikoara CMC

Description

The rural radio station is a main channel for information and covers Banikoara as well as parts of other bordering areas. To create the telecentre, UNESCO donated four computers and other equipment and provided an initial two-week training with other radio stations. A second phase of project support is now being planned with more training for staff and the development of activities and applications.

The centre offered basic computer training to the community when it opened and the demand for courses is such that it soon became necessary for the centre to expand its services. The centre has been able to increase the number of computers to better respond to demand: the staff’s negotiations have brought the number to 15.

Services

The centre offers computer access to local people as well as training in basic IT and Internet skills. It also offers services in text processing, photocopying, scanning, printing and photography. The revenue gained from the services is put into the centre’s running costs and its future activities.

Problems

Technical constraints have held back the development of the Banikoara centre. Electricity has had to be produced by generator due to a defective solar system and unreliable mains electricity. The telephone lines are poor, which makes it difficult to maintain a regular and reliable connection for Internet access. Geographical isolation (Banikoara is 60 km from the nearest hard road) is another constraint. Also, lack of IT expertise locally poses problems for maintenance.