22 May 2014

The Sebina community library and cultural centre, which was officially opened in March this year, has taken a step forward to train people on basic computer skills.

In an interview with BOPA, the councillor for Sebina South, Mr Mogotsi Lemogang, said the training was started early April and would end on June 30.

Councillor Lemogang said the training was to transform the lives of the locals so that they could be able to be up to date with information communication technology (ICT).

Cllr Lemogang said they provide relevant, accurate, and timely information for the community’s economic and social development.

He said 30 people had been trained whilst another same number was on the waiting list of the training which is twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Furthermore, he said the training was nonstop because they would continue to train 30 people every three months, adding that the next intake for the second group would be after June.

The legislator said trainees would be given certificates after completion to interact better with the world, and that, for ICT to contribute effectively to community development, there was an urgent need for professionals to work with communities and develop services, programmes, and policies, to meet specific needs of each community.

“One of the problems identified about ICT in Botswana is lack of visibility and recognition of libraries among communities and within government,” he said.

Cllr Lemogang said they had challenges of shortage of computers because their intention was to train people and also utilise them at the same time.

He urged stakeholders and business companies that were willing to help their library with more computers to do so.

They also have a school essay competition for students who are using their library for research on any given. ENDS