Cameroon is a relatively stable and safe country among all African nations. They do not have people dying of hunger, they do not have civil unrest or political uprise. The country is trying to develop itself, and the youths are trying to strive to fulfill their life goals.
The little huge problem called computer inavailability
Through observation and discussion with the locals, I feel that the main hindrance to their advancement is lack of infrastructure. The roads are not well paved, power and water supply are inconsistent, internet has been around since 1996 but till now they are running at a speed of 215kb/s still. Most importantly, computer is still a rare thing here. And this is depriving the people the very important tool in this information era, be it to manage and create information using the computer or to get connected to the world wide web.
How is it like in AIESEC Cameroon?
In AIESEC Cameroon, only the MC office has computers. Two computers excluding two MCs’ personal laptops. The LC members work on cyber cafés, which isn’t just expensive, but filled with viruses. The rate is around 1.5SGD per hour. If this seems little to you, consider the living cost here of 2SGD for a decent meal, and the unstable 215kb/s internet connection speed which inevitably lengthens the usage. Think about the high dependence on myaiesec.net nowadays among AIESECers, and think the impact of having no easy computer access. Furthermore, having no computer means that it is impossible for them to create any handouts, write and store any meeting minutes, or design marketing materials.
Being moved to action
Apart from feeling fortunate when I witness this situation, I have been thinking about how we can utilize the AIESEC platform to even out this inequality. In Singapore, people change their laptop every 3-5 years, or once it goes slower. Here, the computers are still having floppy disk slots.
How about if we organize a PBOX on Information Technology, focusing on the collection of computers and to contribute to the Cameroonian society, and send members here to educate people on computer and internet skills? We may perhaps have members from AIESEC Cameroon here also to experience how helpful internet usage can be, and at the same time contribute their insights to ensure that the PBOX is effective? There are some international organizations working on this issue already, such as Microsoft, and we can partner with them. National Youth Council has grants that financially supports overseas project. In AIESEC Cameroon, they are running a PBOX called swITch too, which is focusing on Information Technology. I have discussed this with the MC and we feel that there is a huge opportunity for partnership between a developed nation and a developing nation.
Our role in the world
AIESEC is one international organization which we can bring about changes across nations. Given the precious opportunity for me to be here to see the reality in a land so far away and so unknown to many, I feel that we can do this something to have the positive impact in society. What do you think?
If anyone, after reading this, is motivated and moved to take some action, I am available by email for discussion, or to introduce you to the relevant AIESEC members here. Apart from this issue, I am keen to share any insights I can gather in my exchange here too. My email is wanxin86@hotmail.com.
We have the capacity to change for the better. We should not wait anymore for anyone. The power lies in us.
No comments:
Post a Comment