SchoolNet History

Only 30% of the 1520 or so primary and secondary schools in Namibia have telephones, electricity, library resource centres and appropriate ablution
facilities. Of these 1000+ disadvantaged schools, 292 schools presently offer grade 8 and upward (secondary) education.

While we have some 583 000 learners and 17 000+ teachers in Namibia, only some 200 schools presently have (basic) access to internet. And as we talk of bridging the digital divide and bringing Information and Communication Technologies closer to the people, SchoolNet Namibia has been doing just that. Its main objective is to introduce computer technology and Internet access to ALL schools in Namibia.

From roots in the highly successful national Insect@thon competition grew SchoolNet Namibia to empower youth in Namibia through internet access. Constituted as an association not for gain in February 2000, SchoolNet has grown in leaps and bounds to fill a vital niche in Namibia's educationaldevelopment sector by creating a richly diverse framework of operation to make Internet sustainably accessible to school children in disadvantaged communities in Namibia.

Driving a paradigm shift from conventional donor equipment dumping, SchoolNet's "kids on the block" programme provides peer-to-peer training by young (17-23 year old) volunteers to learners and teachers at schools, as well as computer recycling, installation, back-up support and helpdesk services.Coupled with incentive mechanisms, children, teachers and schools are provided with means to responsible (and sustainable) ownership of internet technologies through involvement in environmental and communityservice projects.

SchoolNet's main objective is to introduce computer technology and Internet access to ALL schools in Namibia. Locally exorbitant cost of computers and proprietary software make it exceedingly difficult for schools to acquire new computers. Accordingly, SchoolNet Namibia solicits redundant computer equipment from the donor, public and private sector, locally and internationally, and serves as an outsourcing agency to disadvantaged schools in Namibia. SchoolNet's "Kids on the Block" volunteers repair, service and install the equipment for Internet use at schools, as well as provide appropriate training to learners and teachers.

By outsourcing computer equipment for local and international companies and organisations, SchoolNet removes the dilemas often faced by these organisations with respect to requests for old computers by schools. Most organisations do not have the time, means or capacity to refurbish old equipment for the schools, and cannot provide back-up service or support to these schools, often resulting in disappointment at the schools which cannot afford to have such old equipment refurbished commercially.

SchoolNet Namibia fills this niche, and provides considerable reciprocal media attention on behalf of its partners (SchoolNet Namibia won the prestigious Gecko Special Awards for its marketing campaign "youth empowerment through internet" in 2000).SchoolNet Namibia has been a driving force in creating a broad communal commitment to provide Internet access points for all schools in Namibia. A number of key stakeholders, nationally and internationally, have pledged to assist in the development of SchoolNet Namibia to ensure that their investment is translated into internet access with effective educational outcomes, and not merely equipment dissemination.

SchoolNet has been majorly instrumental in driving policy changes viz-a-viz ICT development in Namibia and is indentified as a lead organisation in the government's National Development Plan Phase II (2000 - 2005).The SchoolNet Namibia experience shows that successful implementation can be achieved with wide support from individuals, public and private organizations. This was achieved without the existence of national policy. SchoolNet has been free to create alliances with a large number of partners within and outside of government.

The Internet community (ISPs, computer companies, Telecom Namibia, Nampower) have all supported SchoolNet as a way to expand Internet use in the country, some of them keenly realising the commercial opportunities at the end of the road. Both the National Development Plan Phase II and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy for the Republic of Namibia recognise SchoolNet Namibia as a key mechanism in the roll-out of ICT in education and job-creation.

Pertinently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting established a national coordinating body for ICT; the Resource Network Group (RNG); and charged it with the responsibility of tabling an ICT Policy in 2001. SchoolNet Namibia has been an active member of the RNG.The ICT Policy recognises SchoolNet as one of several projects already underway that could deliver educational material, enable e-commerce and provide
access to government information to rural communities.

An important recommendation of this report is that these and any new programmes be conducted in an open and transparent fashion to avoid wasting resources and ensure maximum synergy. The ICT Policy further recommends that in order to facilitate excellent ICT public education, especially in schools, the government of Namibia should recognise ICT qualifications as a key factor in the promotion of teachers and continue to support schools connectivity through strong initiatives such as SchoolNet.

SchoolNet Namibia facilitates the provision of basic connectivity for all schools in Namibia, through computer recycling and other low cost, innovative and alternative technology and training solutions. SchoolNet Namibia uses creative ways of ensuring the sustainability of school networking activities, and has developed mechanisms to encourage networking, information sharing and collaboration among schools.

SchoolNet Namibia plays a critical role in increasing awareness and understanding of ICTs in education and promoting social development objectives, highlighting the critical role of ICT champions and mechanisms to ensure sustainability.SchoolNet has a team of some 19 highly motivated young volunteers who manage the roll-out programme on a daily basis, as well as some 300+ volunteers registered for skills development.

There are presently some 200 schools that have benefited from SchoolNet's activities and services which include:

* Management of computer network installation projects on behalf of the Ministries of Education, NGOs, donors and corporates (e.g. CISP, NOLNET)

* Provision and implementation of low cost networking options to schools and educators, using new and refurbished equipment and stable open source (free) software including Linux, OPEN OFFICE, LEARN.CO.UK, Shuttleworth school Administration software

* Provision of affordable, subsidised internet to schools and educators using both landline and wireless solutions (school internet access is free, telecom costs at N$ 0.29/unit - 20% less than local exchange call)

* Technical skills and curriculum development - Polytechnic of Namibia Bridging Course, LEARN.CO.UK, Shuttleworth, AED LearnLink RETT programme
Key Areas of Support:

* Establishment of a SchoolNet Internet Service (ISP) with a reduced-cost 0700 national number for dial-up clients; especially for those with remote and poor Telecom infrastructure (e.g. ultraphones); 0800 toll-free number for help-desk and technical support services - 08 00 00 57 93

* Provision of low-cost local area computer networks, comprising freeware operating system and software applications, using a combination of contemporary and refurbished computers (a normal Microsoft network solution can cost 60-80% more!)

* Free installation (by SchoolNet Volunteers) of local area computer network, typically one server and 2-3 workstations, UPS, ethernet hub and modem. Our system can serve upto 20-30 workstations

* Basic training (by SchoolNet Volunteers) of system administration to a team comprising 4-6 learners and 1-2 teachers;

* On request, the services of a SchoolNet Volunteer to act as troubleshooter, informal trainer at school for 1 - 8 weeks, in exchange for secure accommodation and food provided by school.

* Free support, maintenance and helpdesk services by SchoolNet Volunteers

* Implementation of satellite and other wireless internet solutions, powered by solar electricity, if necessary; funding has been secured for solar technology at 167 schools.

* Implementation of broadband data-casting, (porn-free) transparent proxy services, virus-scanning, local web mail and other web-based services;

* Introduction of affordable computers and internet to bona fide educational practitioners; SchoolNet's Section 21 not-for-profit business partner NetDay Namibia provides teachers with an opportunity to buy affordable computers, printers, scanners, digital cameras and software.

To get more information, photos from the workshop, or set up interviews, please contact

press@schoolnet.na
264 61 212 973