The Director General in charge of ICT in the Ministry of Youth and ICT, Didier Nkurikiyimfura declared that Rwandan citizens are going to be able to access affordable devices for internet connectivity, to be paid on a long term basis.
He revealed this during the 11th Edition of the ICT Literacy and Awareness Campaign in Karongi District in the Western Province of Rwanda. This was a two day driven campaign, from Friday through Saturday, where thousands of local residents participated.
Nkurikiyimfura said “Just like several citizens are able to make a call, is the same way we need internet connectivity especially the 4G to allow every individual to receive the network and what is left is to have the devices.”
He enlightened that they have been engaging with manufacturers, suppliers and banks to find a model that permits all citizens to buy the devices through bank services by getting a very specific financial product. This product is going to enable the client to pay on a long term so that the cost of the device shouldn’t become a barrier, preventing the public from accessing to the internet.
As this product is being worked on, Nkurikiyimfura elaborated that there are noble examples like Gira ICT, which is currently providing people with devices at a low price, to be paid over a period of one or two years. “In fact, this strategy works really well.”
MYICT believes that awareness is the first step to take while engaging the youth in ICT which is why they organized the 11th Edition of the ICT Literacy and Awareness Campaign in this District.
During the campaign, Seth Uwimbabazi, 28 years old, a resident of Rubengera Sector stressed that he managed to learn several things like how to use a computer along with the internet connection.
He said “I Believe that I can also communicate with many friends, and can search for information to help me improve my business and innovate. Thanks to the MYICT and partners who have exhibited ICT in our habitation”
ICT Literacy and Awareness Campaign come to generate consciousness and have Karongi residents engage in order to understand that Information communication technology isn’t for other people but rather for them too.
“It is very important to have a positive attitude towards ICT,” Nkurikiyimfura observed. “We came to remind you that you have ideas and all you need is to access the ICT tools and then enhance your initiatives.”
The National ICT literacy and awareness campaign in Rwanda aims at increasing public literacy and awareness on the opportunities and benefits offered by the use of online and mobile-enabled services and products among local communities.
The campaign brings together Government institutions offering online services, all Telecom Operators, all Banks, TV suppliers, Phone suppliers, and other private sector institutions.
Such campaigns target to boost the usage of ICT content and applications. It increases the ICT knowledge among Rwandan citizens and proves how ICT can play a big role in their businesses, motivate competitions, efficiency, transparency as well as civic participation.
The Ministry of Youth and ICT in collaboration with other Ministries as and different stakeholders in ICT promotion have adopted the five-year ICT literacy awareness campaign. During this drive, local residents are learning the benefits of the Digital Migration where girls and young women are also encouraged to join the career to embrace the use of ICT.
The government of Rwanda has significantly transformed the way business and society use technology, by heavily investing in information and communications technology, since the inception of the first national ICT strategy and plan in 2000.
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