[UgaBYTES] we all need to learn lessons

[kifad project]

Hey Esther,
   
  thank you so much for the great info.
   
  According to me, i think so many things were not taken seriously.
   
  things to do with community involvement and participatiopn, consultations with the community, simple surveys with the community, and most importantly participation of the local leadership.
   
  i think we all need to learn lessons from that experience.
   
  otherwise the centre management has to do alot of ground work to ensure that they win / get community support.
   
  otherwise thank you so much.
   
  warm regards
   
  bob
  KIFAD   

Nasikye Esther <nasikye at ugabytes.org> wrote:
    Hullo folks,
  Let me know what you think about this story. 
  ************************************************************
  Uganda: Residents Shun New Telecentre
  THE local community has shunned the telecentre in Queen Elizabeth National Park that was constructed as part of the preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last year. 
The centre in Kikorongo at Queen's Pavilion, was launched by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on November 23, 2007 and became operational in January this year.

The Government spent sh690m to establish the facility that was intended to assist tourists visiting the park exchange foreign currency and residents living nearby to use some of its resources. There is a computer training school, Internet services, recreation and craft shop. 
  The centre manager, Sarah Awino, said the residents complained that the facility was too far from their homes. 
She added that since the computer school was opened, not a single member of the local community had made use of the computers now lying idle.

To access the Internet, Ugandans pay sh50 per minute, while foreigners pay sh200.
  The councillor for Lake Katwe, Muzamiru Bisanga, said the telecentre was constructed without consulting the community. 
He explained that in the past, residents were barred from entering the park because it was a restricted area. "Game rangers would kill people collecting firewood and herbs in the park, so residents are still afraid," Bisanga noted.
He, however, said the leaders were trying to mobilise the people to sell their handicrafts at the centre and send their children to train in computer skills.
  The park warden, Ben Ejadu, said the number of tourists using the centre had increased because in January they received 127 visitors, while 149 came in February. He noted that the recreational facilities at the centre were free of charge for the residents but they were not being used. 
  Source: New Vision (Kampala) 
Written by Columbus Tusiime

Cheers
Esther 
-- 
Esther Nasikye
Community Content Facilitator
UgaBYTES Initiative 
Plot 2218 Ggaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 25641370163
skype:esther.nasikye _______________________________________________
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