Projects - Public Sector - Computers

Studies have highlighted the importance of modern technology in promoting development. We have provided such facilities to update the social institutions and to train young people for a modern way of working. In the last three years shipments to Dedza have included a considerable number of computers and printers and also some photocopiers.

Packing computers

Setting up computers

In 2005, Norwich City Council and its computer outsource company, Steria, shipped 100 PCs and 30 printers to Dedza. This was redundant equipment made available by an upgrade of desktop facilities at the City Council. When the shipment had arrived, two technical staff went to Dedza for two weeks to set up the equipment and carry out some user training.

In 2006, a total of about 150 computers and a few printers were donated by a number of organisations. They include Norwich City Council and Steria again, Norfolk Children's Services, Norfolk Property Services, Gresham's School, and the Sue Ryder charity. In Dedza, the installation was carried out by a local team led by the Director of Works.

In 2007 Norwich City Council and Steria again provided 150 PCs and 100 printers that had become surplus through a refurbishment. These were sent in a shipment that arrived in Feb 2008. A large number of printers are needed as the PCs are spread among many locations and there is no networking in offices to share printers.

The arrival of such a large number of PCs in Dedza has created considerable national interest in Malawi. In 2005 they were formally accepted by the Malawian Minister for Local Government and in 2006 by a local MP and government minister.

Katsekaminga School

Computer maintenance training

The equipment has been distributed to secondary schools, departments of the Dedza District Assembly, other public agencies in Dedza such as the Hospital, Police and Judiciary. Katsekaminga Secondary School has obtained more PCs from another charity and set up a complete computer classroom. In 2007 the first group of students sat their school leaving certificate in computer studies – one of a limited number in the whole of Malawi. The influx of computers has also created a commercial opportunity in Dedza. A few companies have been set up to offer computer training and support and some shops are selling printer cartridges.

As well as opportunities, the computers do create problems in dealing with maintenance and virus protection. We are helping with this. In 2008, Nigel Eames, a volunteer, went to Dedza to carry out training for computer maintenance with representatives of several public sector organisations. He keeps in contact with them by email to provide further help and periodically sends undated anti-virus software. Any assistance from companies or individuals who would volunteer to go to Dedza to carry out work and train local people would be much appreciated.