BOSCO Uganda

Wie

"Breaking the Silence" through ICT4D in Post Conflict Northern Uganda BOSCO Uganda

Wat

Battery Operated Systems for Community Outreach (BOSCO) Uganda

Waar

Uganda

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Mission:

"Provide innovative ICT (Information and Communication Technology) solutions using a

collaborative, web-based approach to foster social and economic development and

peace building in rural communities in Northern Uganda".

Vision:

"Open and Peaceful rural communities, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the globalised world in the 21st century".

History:

Twenty years of conflict and displacement have isolated the people of Northern Uganda from the technological developments rapidly evolving in their own country and throughout the world. This isolation and lack of access to 21^st century Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has prevented communities from using the Internet for creative and innovative ways to meet community needs.

Instead, many communities have become reliant on traditional aid. However, today, with peace in Northern Uganda, BOSCO-Uganda believes that we can begin to turn dependency into self-advocacy through the use of innovative and collaborative ICT technologies.

Initiated in 2006 under the umbrella of Gulu Archdiocese, BOSCO Uganda has been implementing a pilot ICT project in 6 IDP-camps in Gulu and Amuru district (including Choo Pe, Unyama, Lacor, Pagak, Pabbo and Jengari). After the successful implementation of Phase I, BOSCO Uganda is currently expanding its activities in Amuru and Gulu and planning the further expansion to Kitgum and Pader Districts.

BOSCO-Uganda uses innovative technology particularly adapted to rural regions. Its internet stations, situated in rural communities and former internally displaced persons camps, consist of low-power, solar powered PCs connected to a high-speed, long-range WiFi Internet connection. Each communication station is linked to other BOSCO sites via a free VoIP telephony network and through a high-speed internal network (INTRANET) content management page.

Moving beyond the provision of technical solutions, BOSCO will be concentrating on the development of both proven and emerging directions for ICT usage. These directions include computer education adapted to the realities of 21st Century global interconnectivity and a Web 2.0 collaborative approach to cooperation with health centres, e-agriculture, educational outreach, e-government, etc.