This document summarizes CHEP's experience integrating information and communication technologies (ICTs) into Ipusukilo Community School in Zambia. CHEP trained 7 teachers in computer and internet skills like typing, Windows, Office, email and browsing. This enabled teachers to incorporate radio lessons, communicate with guardians, submit reports, and establish international partnerships. As a result, exam performance improved for students taking the radio classes, attendance at meetings increased, and the school gained sustainability through income-generating activities. However, challenges included poor infrastructure and lack of electricity at the rented building.

1. BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CHEP’s Experience By: Kafusha C Mfula Information Systems Officer Copperbelt Health Education Project (CHEP)

2. Bridging the Digital Divide is when people are have access to Computers , Internet and other ICTs and the ability to effectively use this technology for any development activity.

3. Presentation Objective To share CHEP’s experience in the implementation and integration of ICTs at Ipusukilo Community Schools.

4. About CHEP Founded in 1988 as a Health Project within the Rotary Club of Kitwe Registered as an NGO under the Registrar of Societies in 1988 10 years later, reregistered as a Company Limited by Guarantee with the Registrar of Companies. Now a Technical Support organization providing Technical Support to over 50 community based organizations

5. Why Community School Programme ?

6. As a result of HIV Increased the number of children orphaned by HIV and AIDS Increased child headed homes Death of parents means no school, no food and increased street kids In 2002 it was estimated that 600,000 children of school going aged are out of school Source of the figures: SFH “Zambia Where we Find ourselves” (2002)

7. CHEP Community Schools Programme ICT Integration Pilot Project CHEP

8. Description of Comm. School The 4 schools were initiated by CHEP in conjunction with the Community. They have community school committees in charge of running the school. Children do not pay school fees and no obligations for uniforms, school shoes etc They are based within the community Caters for orphans and Vulnerable children only

9. Ipusukilo Community School Started in 1996 under a guava tree, with 28 pupils & 2 teachers The school has 843 Children out of whom 389 are orphaned children. 142 are single orphaned 247 are double orphaned Age ranges from 5 – 16 years It has Teachers 10 committee members

10. Activities in Community Schools Children Learn how to read and write

11. Do Learn other Practical Skills such as Carpentry

12. Children have time to Play and have fun with each other

13. They Do Controlled Physical Exercising

14. Why ICT in Community Schools ?

15. Why ICT in Comm. School? In the process of weaning off the school, we wanted teachers to be empowered with computing skills. School should be able to integrate the Taonga Radio Programme in school activities. To improve the communication between Teachers and stakeholders To build the capacity of teachers to use ICT to improve their teaching.

16. Our Objectives To train Community School teachers to use ICTs creatively, so that ICTs makes a big difference in the way they teach To train teachers to use the Internet in order that they are updated with the latest developments in their field. To use computers to exchange lesson plans with their colleagues. Be able to communicate more frequently with the guardian of pupils. To increase the usage of ICTs in Community School

17. ICTs Integration

18. ICTs Implementation process CHEP agreed with the teachers Share the Vision with Stakeholders Skills Audit Developed of Training Materials Training of teachers in computers and Taonga The school was empowered with resources to start IGAs

19. 7 teachers (3 Men & 4 Women)received ICTs training regularly to update their ability to integrate ICTs in teaching

20. ICT Training Content Introduction Computers Typing Microsoft windows environment Microsoft Office Application Use Internet Email Internet browsing

21. Taonga Radio Programme 2 Teachers went to a Taonga Radio programme training. The training were facilitated by Ministry of Education

22. Results All the teachers that were trained are able to use computer The school has an email address which is very active. Teachers are able to use internet and do their research with problems. The school can submitted typed reports and proposals to donors Developed new strategic partnership because of use of internet The teacher now uses SMS or Voice Call to contact the guardian if need arises

23. Result Contd… The school has been implementing the Taonga Radio Programme. From a Typewriter to Laptop Because of use of ICTs Ipusukilo has managed to establish a partnership with Hazelbury Junior School and Kingsmead Community School of UK. Children who attend Taonga Class are doing better than pupils from non Taonga class. Improved attendance in Parent Community School Committee meeting has a result of teachers can send SMS reminder to Committee members.

24. Challenges Poor Infrastructure the building is rented no electricity Community School has only one computer administrative work. Teachers whom we gave a scholarship to do professional teaching have moved to government schools.

25. Key Lessons Learnt Utilisation of ICT is the best approach to community development Development should be value driven Sustainability of ICT is only possible if people at local level are involved Introducing of pupils to ICT is an opportunity to secure the future or e-learning .

26. Thank You