ASDI brings the world to Apac

People in Apac now have easy and fast access to information from all over the globe

By Christopher Ebong, UPA

The second day of February was a big day in Apac. It was the day that Agency for Promoting Sustainable Development Initiatives (ASDI) launched their information and communication technology (ICT) center. And by doing so, ASDI brought the world closer to the local people and communities.

Via the computers in the ICT center there is access to the World Wide Web – better known as the Internet. The Internet links millions and millions of computers around the world and makes it possible to communicate twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. Thereby, the Internet promotes knowledge, shared learning and freedom of information and speech.

The ICT center is established with support from MS Uganda. Director Ulla Strøbech and program officer Charles Dreacabo presided over the launching ceremony. During the ceremony ASDI program officer James Ongu said that the center is the first of its kind in Apac and that it gives new opportunities for ASDI and for people and organizations in Apac, the neighboring districts and even northern Uganda.

From the center they can share ideas and experiences nationally and internationally and seek support from others including donor agencies. People can follow the news, access marked prices and even pursue their studies from Apac via the Internet.

Charles Draecabo drew the lines from the times when drums were the only means of fast and “long-distance” communication up till today where people in Apac via a few computer keys get in contact other people all over the world within seconds.

The ASDI ICT center is open to everybody. A six months membership fee of 5.000 shillings allows you to surf the Internet for 50 shillings per minute. Several NGOs, local government departments and individuals are already members. Non-members pay 75 shillings per minute.

For many weeks Brian Labone, a Danish volunteer, worked tirelessly with installing the ICT programs in the computers.