PCDI’s aims to bridge the digital divide in the rural community. PCDI believes that through technology, and sustainable economic growth poverty alleviation can be achieved.
Information Communication Technology is the modern day driver of economic growth and poverty alleviation. PCDI embraces this principle and works at bridging the digital divide in the rural communities of Cameroon through a multi-pronged approach. Firstly through IT training and secondly through offering internet access (PCDI is the only provider of such services in the division of 13 villagers).
 |
| Graduating Students |
With regard to IT training, PCDI runs a school where software and hardware courses, and full time and part time courses are run. In fitting with PCDI’s objectives, places at the school are offered at no cost to vulnerable women and children. During our last graduation, we were proud to graduate one of these students and we will continue to offer her the necessary support so as to allow her to develop herself.
However we feel that these efforts must only be the beginning of the battle against computer illiteracy. Whilst the government of Cameroon has a professed IT policy with regard to education, little of these policies have been effected at the grass roots. The majority of the schools in the region are poorly equipped, with a ratio of 2% of computing equipment to students nationwide. Furthermore, the majority of computer teachers at these schools have little in terms of training in computing.
 |
| Side view of IT Classroom |
PCDI’s aims to begin the battle of addressing these problems by organizing free seminars for computing teachers. The seminars will comprise a series of lectures and discussions on computing and teaching techniques. The first of these seminars is scheduled for the 17th of May 2008.
PCDI will also use this medium to collaborate with the schools to offer the schools free use of PCDI’s fully equipped classroom and to offer the schools free internet lessons for their students.
 |
| IT Students in front of PCDI |
PCDI offer the following:
- Computer schools for both software and hardware training
- Public repairs and maintenance of computing equipment
- Internet cyber room/library
- Loan scheme to graduates
- Canteen services
