Telecommunications giant, Huawei in partnership with Close the Gap, a nonprofit organization located in Belgium, has unveiled the DigiTruck project.

The project aims to provide digital skills training to rural and remote communities in Kenya.

DigiTruck is Huawei’s latest effort driving their digital inclusion initiative Tech4ALL.

Despite being the ICT hub in Africa, Internet users in Kenya only account for less than 50% of the total population. This is because more than 75% of the population live in remote areas, lacking a stable power supply, and also because many do not realize the importance of digital skills.

Huawei DigiTruck is designed to increase the awareness and accessibility of digital skills by delivering digital skills to remote homes through mobile digital classrooms converted from truck containers. The DigiTruck is equipped with wireless broadband-enabled by Fixed Wireless Access, laptops and smartphones enabling internet skills to be taught aboard and incorporating VR content in digital education.

It has solar panels and batteries capable of powering it, so it can reach remote rural villages with no electricity where local teachers, women and youth can be trained. The devices inside the truck are refurbished, extending the life of these devices; responsible e-waste management will be one topic taught on the DigiTruck as well as being safe online.

“For over 15 years, Close the Gap has been bridging the digital divide in developing countries by providing high quality refurbished ICT-devices to more than 5700 projects with a social impact. With the different DigiTrucks we have been able to reach even the most isolated communities that have little or no access to ICT, also bring quality training and education to these areas. With the support of Huawei, Close the Gap is honored to coordinate a new DigiTruck-project in Kenya and make a positive impact on the lives of Kenyans,” said Olivier Vanden Eynde, Founder and CEO of Close the Gap.
“The empowering use of ICT is closely connected to socio-economic development. Our 20 years of experience connecting rural communities in Africa has shown us that wireless broadband access is significantly changing the way we live and work in the digital world.” said Ritchie Peng, Chief Marketing Officer, Huawei Wireless Solution. “Huawei is continually innovating to bring wireless internet access and the skills to use it to those who need it. Technology can do good, but as our contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, we must make sure no-one is left behind. We are proud to collaborate with Close the Gap on this inspiring project.”

Huawei is committed to bring digital to every person, home and organization. The Huawei DigiTruck will move around rural communities on planned dates with our partners to provide digital skills training to teachers, digital literacy training to those who have never been online, and show youth how to study and earn income online.

A total of 7,000 teachers and community members are expected to be trained on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and online job opportunities within the first one year of implementation benefiting tens of thousands of students.

Culled from www.itwebafrica.com