Access to the internet in developing countries

Without access to the internet, the availability of open access to quality, peer-reviewed research articles is of little value. According to the World Bank, there are 5 or less computers per 1,000 people in the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries.

A number of organisations around the world are working to address this digital divide, by providing PCs and internet connectivity to the people and regions that need them most.

One Laptop Per Child The mission of One Laptop per Child (OLPC) is to empower the children of developing countries to learn by providing one connected laptop to every school-age child. In order to accomplish our goal, we need people who believe in what we’re doing and want to help make education for the world’s children a priority, not a privilege.

CareC4DC - Computers for Developing Countries - CARE Computers For Developing Countries has been established with a two-fold vision. Firstly, to assist in the education and development of the less privileged secondary/tertiary school student of the developing country, and secondly, to help address the environmental issues of dumping of computer waste. Our vision is founded on the desire to help bridge the gap between the student in the developing country and his/her counterpart in the developed country through the use of information technology (IT) as well as leading the way in encouraging others to responsibly manage waste (irreparable PC's) in a worldwide acceptable manner through the adoption of W.E.E.E legislation.

Computer Aid International, the world’s largest non-profit supplier of computers to developing countries, has supplied PCs to over 5,000 organisations in the developing world. High quality, professionally refurbished computers are provided for reuse in education, health and not-for-profit organisations in developing countries. Computer Aid has shipped over 90,000 PCs to where they are most needed in more than 100 countries.

Digital Links recycles redundant computers from UK companies, professionally refurbishing them and distributing to schools, hospitals and community based organisations in developing countries. In the past four years Digital Links has distributed 70,000 computers to schools and other institutions in Africa, helping to improve education delivery and creating economic opportunities for around 1.5 million people. The organisation works in 21 countries across Africa and Eastern Europe, with a special focus on Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana.

World Computer Exchange is North America's largest non-profit provider of used computers to developing countries. Working with 400 formal Partners in 58 developing countries, World Computer Exchange have distributed over 23,000 computers. The organisation also provides support services, and is working to provide internet connectivity through a series of joint ventures.

These are just a few of the organisations around the world that are working to tackle this important issue. All of these organisations need volunteers and practical help to provide PCs and connectivity in developing countries and deprived areas. To find out more, see our resources page.

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