... As Kamaleon launches Community Tablet
The Internet World
Statistics (IWS) has declared that despite the growth of Information Technology
(IT) boom on the continent of Africa, only 9.3 per cent have access to the
Internet, thereby leaving some 90.7 per cent without Internet access, reports
ITRealms.
Buttressing the need
to increase access, Dayn Amade of Mozambican technology start-up company
Kamaleon, declared that Internet access is still vital to providing wider
access to education and health awareness in rural communities, especially in
Mozambique.
“A few years ago
anyone who could not read and write was considered illiterate, but today this
concept goes further, encompassing people who do not know how to use
information and communication technologies. Health organizations and schools in
Africa often face a unique set of obstacles, including a lack of access to
much-needed health education and counselling platforms. The Community Tablet
was created to help solve these problems”, Amade said.
Today’s digital
world, Amade said, bringing Internet access to rural communities is a
tremendous step in the right direction of social development and education.
Kamaleon, Amade also
said, has developed an innovative and engaging way of promoting digital
literacy through a shared platform called the “Community Tablet”. Stressing
that Community Tablet is a solar powered mobile computer with touch screen
displays and virtual keyboards built in on a trailer to provide Internet access
to remote areas.
In addition, Amade
said, in order to facilitate interaction with the virtual world, Kamaleon also
offers training on how to use the Internet and its features to members of the
community and the local workforce.
ITRealms recalls
that launched in November 2016 in Mozambique, the Community Tablet aims at
promoting digital inclusion and a knowledge based society in Africa.
Amade further said
that beginning in Mozambique with an astounding 24 million people with no
Internet connection, the Community Tablet will be used to support campaigns on
various health and education initiatives in partnership with governmental and
private organisations.
“Spreading
up-to-date messages and interactive lessons that showcase symptoms, prevention
and treatment options – replacing the need for leaflet distributions to convey
life-saving information. Kamaleon is on a mission to close the digital divide
and empower more people in Africa to engage in the digital economy and its
educational benefits,” Amade said.
Assuring, “I believe
technology and digital literacy can contribute to greater effectiveness of
civic education campaigns in various communities.”
