What will people do with a computer in a rural area like Rotifunk when they have no electricity and no Internet service beyond spotty mobile phone coverage – if you have a smart phone. If most people have at best limited literacy, what does it matter if they have access to a computer?
My original motivation for getting PC’s to Rotifunk was to get job training skills into school programs there. I especially wanted young girls to get a jump start on skills needed for good jobs in today’s economy. That’s still a primary objective.
As I got more involved, I saw professionals and leaders already there in Rotifunk did not have computers. The Prosperity Girls High School principal, teachers, chiefdom administrators – all well educated and capable people were being held back by not having a computer to modernize documents and records, improve their productivity and have access to all the information that the Internet can provide.
But I soon found computer access in a rural area can do much more. It starts with the smallest computer of all – the smart phone. With a smart phone and its Internet access, people can do a lot to improve their day to day lives. Everyone.
When I made my first trip back to Sierra Leone in 2011 with friends, we observed that things largely looked the same as we had left off in the 70’s. Not encouraging. Then we started seeing one important thing that had changed. People were walking around with this thing in their ear and talking to themselves. Just like at home, but we weren’t home. Wait a minute. Those were mobile phones everywhere.
The juxtaposition of mobile phones next to a mud house took a minute to register and get used to. Especially a woman in a traditional lappa with a baby on her back, maybe cooking outside on three stone talking on a mobile phone.
This is not just yakking. With limited incomes, it’s a pay as you go system. You buy units from a local vendor and people use them carefully. I had to get used to people otherwise effusively friendly, abruptly hanging up on me. They’re conserving units.
So what do they use mobile phones for? Many things. In an area where roads are beyond miserable and public transportation infrequent and expensive on their incomes, you can do a certain amount of your day to day business and personal connections now by your phone. Like calling ahead to make sure a shop has the goods in stock you need for your local business or to resell in the market. You can check prices while you’re at it and find the best price. Maybe you can arrange to have your order delivered to you with someone you know and avoid the trip yourself.
Most women work by virtue of being small traders as they call it in the informal economy. They buy goods in one place at a good price and sell in another. Phone orders and other requests are especially empowering for women. The Internet and phones are good ways to level the playing field. It doesn’t matter who you are and what you look like. Money talks. And you don’t have to leave your children or waste time you could instead use to do other chores for your family.
I’ve seen many applications for mobile phones now that mobiles have taken hold in Africa. They involve getting fast and timely access to information, and avoiding costly and difficult trips on bad rural roads.
Farmers can call Agriculture extension services or other advisors to find out why their crops are doing poorly and get advice on what to do.
Health care is one of the most exciting uses of this “mini-computer.” When a woman goes into labor, a call can go to the nearest health clinic to be ready for her, and where available, arrange for a vehicle to take her. In a country with one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, access to health services when needed is leading to dramatic improvements for mothers and infants.
Likewise, mothers can call clinics to consult with a nurse or community health officer about their family’s illness. Hours of unnecessary delay can make all the difference when a small child has malaria or acute diarrhea, and parents can be advised on what to do by phone.
Texting health messages to rural clinic health practitioners was noted as one successful measure in averting a replay of last year’s major cholera epidemic in Sierra Leone when hundreds died. The rainy season is cholera season. Rains were bad this year, but cholera incidence was not. Texts went out alerting clinics on symptoms to watch for and what to do.
Banking and paying bills by phone is the next innovation in Africa and coming to Sierra Leone. Traditional banking dings poor people twice. Bank account minimums and transaction fees are cost prohibitive for people living on $2 a day. Then you have to pay for public transportation to get to a bank, since villages and most small towns have no bank. Rotifunk only last month had their first small credit union type bank open.
Now, pay by phone services are starting to pop up. You can pay bills using the same mode as buying call units. You give a local vendor the information on who you need to pay and how much, pay cash and they transmit the funds to pay your bill. Services are starting that let you use your phone like a debit card. You avoid bank fees – and can stay off those miserable roads wasting your time. People will need to get used to these services. But the cost-benefit seems clear to encourage use as they become available.
Sierra Leone’s journalists even created “citizen journalists” in the country’s 2012 Presidential election with mobile phones. The government promised free, fair and transparent elections. So, journalists gave mobile phones to average citizens to report back real time what was going on in their remote polling place.
This video gives an overview of how rural, low income people’s lives are made better with that mini-computer, the mobile phone. Mobile for Development life stories.
CNN notes other innovative solutions mobile phones made available to people in Africa in their article: Seven ways mobile phones have changed lives in Africa.
Yes, some of this is just using phone service, and you don’t even need a smart phone. But others connect computerized services by phone. And once people are comfortable and proficient with using mobile phone functionality, it’s not a huge step up to using a computer. And a computer can bring educational, productivity and job skill opportunities to a rural area.
I watched an illiterate girl sell me mobile phone units in Rotifunk. She had no trouble punching all those numbers into her mobile phone that then connected with a computer that activated my phone with call units. She mastered this in no time because it was a job for her.
I look at mobile phones as the training ground for introducing IT technology to a country ready and willing to use it.
Within the top 10 of the favorite content pieces, thankyou!
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Thanks, Edward. Hope you return to read more. Go to our homepage http://www.sherbrofoundation.org to see what’s happening in the rural community wher we work as Ebola winds down. it’s time to send girls back to school. Arlene
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Thanks, Lena. I hope you go directly to http://www.sherbrofundation.org to see what’s going on in the rural Sierra Leone community where we work. Ebola is winding down. It’s time to work on getting girls back in school – after a 7 month shutdown. Arlene
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My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was once totally right.
This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how a lot time I had spent for this info!
Thank you!
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Thanks, Marietta. Hope you also go to the homepage and see the important work we are doing to support Ebola prevention in Sierra Leone. Serious turn of events over there now that needs help from everyone. Arlene
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Thank you for some other wonderful post. Where else may anyone get that kind of info
in such a perfect approach of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the look for such info.
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Hi, Sabine. Glad to help. Check http://www.sherbrofoundation.org Homepage for latest news on the Ebola epidemic. A lot is breaking now. Find out how you can help, too: https://sherbrofoundation.org/2014/08/12/1803/ On a more upbeat note, you’ll find the latest update on the community computer center on the Homepage rotating slide show. Thx. Arlene
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fantastic issues altogether, you just gained a emblem new reader.
What might you recommend about your post that you simply
made some days in the past? Any certain?
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Thanks, Hannelore. Go to the Homepage http://www.sherbrofoundation.org and you’ll see the latest posts – including those on the tragic Ebola epidemic. And how you can help. Arlene
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It’s nearly impossible to find experienced people on this subject, however, you sound like you know what
you’re talking about! Thanks
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Thanks. I feel I do know what I’m talking about with the first hand work I do in rural Sierra Leone. I’m there every year for at least a month in the village and I keep closely in touch every week with our on-site partner organization on status of our joint projects. Thanks for recognizing that! Arlene
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Hey excellent website! Does running a blog like this require a massive amount work?
I have virtually no knowledge of coding but I was hoping
to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyhow, if you have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic nevertheless I just had to
ask. Cheers!
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Hi, Shayne. No need to code. Just go to WordPress and pick out a template like this one Then fill n the blank. Check out this post where I wrote about this. See the FAQ’s. https://sherbrofoundation.org/2014/04/25/to-the-readers-faqs-and-im-not-a-blogger-part-ii/ Sorry I was bit testy that day with all the comments coming about appearance of our website, but not recognizing the serious nonprofit work we do in Sierra Leone. Read our latest post on assisting with Ebola prevention; then can probably appreciate why I was being flip when I wrote this To-the-readers post. Thanks. Arlene
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Great web site you have here.. It’s difficult to find good
quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you!
Take care!!
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Thanks a lot, Gonzalo. I seriously appreciate comments like yours. You can read more about our computer center here:https://sherbrofoundation.org/2014/07/22/a-phoenix-rises-from-the-ashes-to-live-again/ Come back and comment again soon. It’s important to hear from readers. Arlene
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We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for.
Would you offer guest writers to write content for you personally?
I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write about here.
Again, awesome site!
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Thanks, Ferdinand. Why not send a proposal to sherbrofoundation.org/contact-us. What is your Africa and Sierra Leone experience? Arlene
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Everytthing is very open with a very clear description of
the challenges. It was really informative. Your website is useful.
Many thanks for sharing!
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Thanks, Jasmin. If you enjoyed this post about introducing PC’s to rural Sierra Leone, I hope you’ll read the latest one. We are turning a tragedy into a community resources – a computer center. Being built now. https://sherbrofoundation.org/2014/07/22/a-phoenix-rises-from-the-ashes-to-live-again/ Hope to see you back soon. Arlene
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When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thanks a lot!
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I’m removing your email address as it’s the only way I know to address this. If you wish sign up for email notifications, please start over. Sorry for the bother. Srlene
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Your mode of describing everything in this paragraph
is truly nice, all be able to easily know it, Thanks
a lot.
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Thanks, Malissa. Hope you visit more of the site and it’s blog. http://Www.sherbrofoundation.org. Arlene
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These are really wonderful ideas in concerning blogging.
You have touched some good factors here. Any way keep up wrinting.
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Thanks a lot, Marylin. Hope you’ll come back for recent posts. Perhaps this one will interest you: https://sherbrofoundation.org/2014/05/19/featured-project-educate-a-girl-change-the-world/ Arlene
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Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a weblog website?
The account helped me a appropriate deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this
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Thanks, Suzette. If you go to any current pages on the website beyond the homepage, you’ll find a right hand menu with a Subscribe button. This will send you an email informing on any new post. Thanks for your interest. Arlene
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Awesome! Its actually amazing post, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this piece of writing.
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Great. That’s what I like to hear, Molly. Hope you return soon. Arlene
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Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
My site covers a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each
other. If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot
me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Terrific blog by the way!
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Hi, Kassandra. Thanks for your interest. You’ll have to explain how a site about tummy exercises “covers a lot of the same subjects” as one about life in rural Sierra Leone?! Are you just trying to get me or other readers to look at your site? Sorry if I falsely accuse you of being an opportunist, but I just don’t see the connection. And I get so many comments that are thinly veiled marketing attempts for their own site. If I’m wrong, pls let me know. Arlene
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I am sure this post has touched all the internet viewers, its really really pleasant piece of writing on building up new website.
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Thanks a lot, Joy. Glad you enjoyed it. Arlene
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You should take part in a contest for one of the highest quality blogs on the internet.
I am going to recommend this blog!
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Thanks a lot, Karina. That’s a big compliment! Arlene
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Hi, I check your blog regularly. Your writing style is witty, keep it up!
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Thanks, Debbie. Glad you’re enjoying it. Hope you saw the most recent post: https://sherbrofoundation.org/2014/05/29/think-your-help-doesnt-really-matter-think-again/ Arlene
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Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site.
I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return yet again since i have book
marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change,
may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
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Thank you, Reinaldo! Arlene
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There is certainly a lot to find out about this subject.
I really like all the points you’ve made.
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Thanks, Damaris. Hope you return to the site to learn more of all the projects we’re supporting in rural Sierra Leone. https://sherbrofoundation.org/about-us/projects/ Arlene
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I will immediately take hold of your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription
link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me understand in order that I may just subscribe.
Thanks.
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Thanks a lot, Lashon. I hope you’ll return to learn more about the work Sherbro Foundation is doing in rural Sierra Leone. There’s a Follow button in the right hand menu column of most pages of the website. Here’s the latest post, you’ll find a Follow button there. https://sherbrofoundation.org/2014/05/19/featured-project-educate-a-girl-change-the-world/ Arlene
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I blog quite often and I really appreciate your content.
This article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark
your site and keep checking for new details about once a week.
I subscribed to your Feed too.
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Thanks, Princess. Hope you visit again soon. Arlene
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May I simply say what a relief to uncover an individual who really knows what they are talking about
online. You definitely know how to bring a problem to
light and make it important. A lot more people should look at this and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised that you are not more popular since you definitely have the
gift.
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Thanks so much, Viola. Arlene
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I know this web site gives quality depending articles and additional material, is there any
other web site which gives these kinds of data in quality?
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Thanks, Emory. There aren’t that many sites about Sierra Leone and I haven’t found another one that goes into depth about daily life in the rural areas. WordPress is a common blogging platform. You can search WordPress (or another platform) for Sierra Leone and see what’s posted.
If you find good websites on rural development in Africa and Sierra Leone, please report back. I’d like to know, as well as other readers, I’m sure. It’s always good to learn from others.
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WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait ..
…
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Thanks, Marilou. Hope to see you back again. Arlene
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Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine
Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
If you know of any please share. Thank you!
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Harold, I think SEO works based on using key words the right way and repeating them the right way in your post. Also, the more posts you write and the more people comment on them, the more likely search engines wil find you. I doubt there’s a plug-in to do this! Arlene
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I used to be suggested this web site by my cousin. I am not positive whether this
put up is written by him as no one else realize such specific about my trouble.
You are amazing! Thank you!
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Yes, Meri, it’s really written by me. I commented on this in my last post. Scroll down to FAQ #1&2. Thanks. Arlene
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Good day! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thank you
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Laurinda, By all means, pls share this blog with your FB group. Forwarding to personal circles of friends on FB is an important way for us to get the word out Sherbro Foundation and its work in Sierra Leone. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the content. Hope your friends do as well. Thanks a lot.
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Simply wish to say your article is as astounding.
The
clearness in your post is simply great and i can assume you
are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep
updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the
gratifying work.
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Thanks so much, Will. Your comment means a lot not only to me, but the people in SL. Hope to hear from you again.
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I really like reading an article that will make men and women think.
Also, thank you for permitting me to comment!
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Thanks for commenting!
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