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IT Volunteers in Africa: A myth or a reality?

Akpolou Lawase, Schoolnet South Africa

In Africa, we always tend to settle for anything that comes from outside as long as it has some free (as free beer) aspect to it. Below are some questions or issues that need to be addressed if we are to make better use of the opportunities that volunteerism can bring.

What is IT volunteerism?

Is it good for Africa? If yes, how can it help bridge the digital divide?
IT volunteers in Africa, a means for developed worlds to resolve their unemployment problems or a means to sharpening painlessly blunt instruments and readying them for their home market?
Is the manner in which volunteerism is done for the benefit of Africa?
If the manner is not appropriate, how best can it be done to benefit Africa?
Propose a model that can be used for measuring the transfer of skill and therefore the impact of volunteerism.

Recommendations:

Proper investigation or research should be done to assess the real impact of IT volunteerism in Africa.
It volunteerism should be a two ways process: that is youth from Africa should also be given the opportunity to go and gain skills in the developed world, and come back to share these skills with their counterpart.

Mr Lawase Akpolou
SchoolNet Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
l.akpolou@schoolnetafrica.org