To My learned, advanced and updated colleagues on this forum. It is not my intention to divert the current discussions or even to draw you back on issues that you may have already probably discussed in the past.
I still get back to the first issue I earlier raised on procurement of the so called donated computers, particularly to Africa. I received a few responses from individuals, who I thank most sincerely for the bother. Some of these just told me to visit websites like ComputerAid.org & WorldComputerExchange.org Indeed I took some time and spent some money (internet is really expensive in this part of the world) to explore how our poor training institution can at least acquire some of these computers, which have become so central to today's modern life. My findings are that it may seem so easy and a real donation in the eyes of our colleagues in the developed world, with healthy economies, that a donated computer only attracts about 80 British pounds from recipients. Even then, many of these colleagues are oblivious of the exorbitant import and other related taxes obtained in such slumped economies. This means that apart from the 80 pounds, recipients have to pay other costs in their own countries to finally get the so-called donated computer. To sincerely bridge the digital divide, as shown by our many endeavors and commitment, we must start all over again and revisit these issues especially from the African perspective. For instance, we can seriously lobby governments to zero rate ICT equipment and concomitant software because of the key role they play in life. Many African countries seem not to appreciate ICTs as evidenced by these taxes and other man-made inhibiting factors. Secondly, I know the sourcing of computers and other administrative aspects involve some costs in the developed countries. But can't this be part of the full package donation--a culmination of well givers and volunteers efforts. In the meantime, can someone please help us acquire free donated computers, in view of our training institution's position. It is also our desire to be part and parcel of the ICT family and contribute positively to the development of our country. Lawrence Zambia ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: <http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/>
