Computer Technology Institute CTI), Nkambe

Project Director: John Kongor

What began in January 2004 with a simple computer training programme in partnership with the Cameroon AGAPE Ministry for the Underprivileged (CAMFU) is now a fully blown CTI Nkambe, located in Nkambe town, the Donga-Mantung Divisional headquarters of the North-West Province of Cameroon. CTI Nkambe (operates) is hosted in a two apartment house. The project runs two major departments -a cyber café of 18 computers connected to the worldwide web using a powerful V-SAT system, and a computer training department (hardware and software) with 15 computers. Documentation services are also provided at CTI Nkambe including scanning of pictures and other documents, photocopying, computer & printer repairs, etc.

IMPACT

CTI Nkambe is already demonstrated its contribution to poverty reduction in visible and relevant ways:  

• Computer phobia amongst youths and other people, especially those with low levels of education, is reducing. Some who thought they can not do anything on the computer and the internet are excited that they are using the computer to access the worldwide web.

                    ‘I was interested in CTI Nkambe services but I was afraid because I didn’t know anything

                     about the functioning of computers. But now I am able to do research on the internet.’

                     (Ndukong Isidore Giwe; Form 3 Student –GBHS Nkambe)

•  More than 200 youths have already received free internet training at CTI Nkambe.

• 11 trainees are currently learning on computer software at CTI Nkambe

• CTI Nkambe has provided direct employment to 4 youths -2 boys and 2 girls, thereby reducing youth unemployment. More will be employed as the need arises.

• Young carpenters, mechanics, etc. are improving their professional skills due to knowledge gained from CTI Nkambe

• More than 50 internet users have curbed down weekly journeys to about 100 km.

• Children, youths and other CTI Nkambe users are having access to the same technology  as children in other parts of the world

Meeting Users' Needs

Users feedback from CTI Nkambe is already demonstrating that information and technology can positively impact the lives and livelihoods of the poor and semi-literate. CTI Nkambe is providing Nkambe and surrounding communities news, information, advice and knowledge which has been inaccessible to them in the past.

We can say it, but the users can say it even better!

• 'I have been able to produce some good furniture designs seen on the internet, in my local workshop. Many people have admired the products. My only problem is that I am not yet good at working on the computer, but I am glad I am improving on that. It is wonderful.’

         (Dogo Ferdinand; a young carpenter with only basic education).

Ferdinand poses by some furniture models he downloaded from the internet (left) and also seen on the photograph (right) arranging door models he produced from downloaded models. Ferdinand is now a regular customer of CTI Nkambe.

• CTI Nkambe has a great impact on my journalistic activities, it has easily redressed my greatest problem of sending my articles to my editors directly; it is effective, sure and faster in delivering my articles and reading from my editors; it is also less expensive. It helps to read on how to perfect my journalistic skills on the net; read articles from other papers, besides mine – The Post Newspaper. On the teaching profession, I have had a good resource material on my subject and teaching in general.’

          (Wamey Panky, Teacher/Journalist)

• 'CTI Nkambe helps me to search for satellite frequencies and I also order for satellite receives through the CTI Nkambe cyber café. In the past I used to depend of hard copies of publications on updated satellite frequencies. This made things difficult for my business as I got them almost when new updates were about to be made.’

          (Benard Ntunyu Kay, Satellite  TV technician).

• 'Well-done, Torchbearer Foundation. I very much appreciate your efforts in bringing the internet to our community. It’s nice to have you here. I now have contacts with other professionals abroad.’

          (Jang Fred, Vdeo editor)

• ‘CTI Nkambe is a welcome relieve for those of us who have been traveling over long distances for internet services.’

          (Visha Vitalis B, Teacher).

• 'I highly appreciate all those who have contributed to bringing the internet to Nkambe.The Nkambe population was lagging behind in this communications tool. Thank God that we can now easily be in touch with others around the world and do many other things through the CTI Nkambe.'

          (Bantar Ernest)

• 'Congratulations Torchbearer Foundation! Like your name, you are really the torch that has come to light the way to development in Nkambe and Donga/Mantung as a whole. Words can not be enough to express my joy. More grease to your elbows.'

            (Tamfu Emmanuel Nfor, Student and actor)

• Unbelievable! With the Cyber Café in Nkambe, the indegenes will be able to communicate with their relatives worldwide. Personally, I don’t need to travel right to Kumbo to brouse and communicate with other farmers and environmentalist around the world.'

         (Farmer Tantoh)

Click the following links to visit other CTIs:

                                                           -CTI Fundong

                                                           -CTI Belo

                                                           -CTI Ndu