Computers help Ethiopian high schools harness online power - March 2004

UNDP and Ethiopia's ICT for Development Authority have delivered the first batch of 1,500 computers to the Ministry of Education as part of efforts to bring information and communications technology (ICT) to more than 160 high schools around the country.

UNDP has provided US$3.5 million for the initiative and is seeking support from donors for an equal amount to enable all high schools to get online. Partners include the Ministry of Capacity Building and the Ministry of Education.

UNDP is also helping the Authority formulate and implement a national ICT policy. Digital technology can strengthen management and planning, connect federal, regional and local governments, improve data analysis and facilitate information sharing.

These efforts will help government at all levels improve services, support efforts to reduce poverty and promote progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

"It is incumbent on all of us to build an inclusive information society that not only includes the underprivileged, but gives them an unprecedented opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty," said Antonius Broek, interim UNDP Resident Representative. He presented the computers to Minister of Education Genet Zewde for delivery to the schools.

Mr. Broek noted that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said that halving poverty by 2015 and halting the spread of HIV/AIDS will only be possible by fully harnessing ICT and ensuring access for all. Kofi Annan launched the UNITeS initiative as part of the UN's family of efforts to bridge the Digital Divide.

The Ethiopia initiative will help bring a new generation of students to the labour market well prepared in the use of digital technology in their daily activities. UNDP is also supporting ICT training for teachers and students by national United Nations Volunteers through the SchoolNet Project to enable the schools to incorporate ICT, especially use of the Internet, into their curricula.

For further information please contact Asrat Tilahun, UNDP Ethiopia, or Cassandra Waldon, UNDP Communications Office.