Kunle Aderinokun
28 December 2005
Abuja — TechnoFuture, an innovative computerized educational tool, was launched last week by the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) at a roundtable chaired by President Olusegun Obasanjo. The project is with a view to bridging the digital divide that currently exists between Africa and the developed world.
A tool that teaches learners from the age of four to adults a combination of computer and entrepreneurship skills, TechnoFuture empowers individuals by equipping them with skills that enable them set up their own businesses; operate optimally at the workplace; and compete more effectively in an increasingly technology-driven world while making them self-sufficient upon retirement.
TechnoFuture Nigeria has already developed a robust business model for complementing the Federal Government's ongoing economic reform programme. The replication of the business model, under the umbrella of NEPAD Africa, is expected to catalyze human capacity building and strengthen poverty eradication programmes continent-wide.
Speaking at the launch inside Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja , Senior Special Assistant to the President (NEPAD) and Head of NEPAD Nigeria Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika, said, "It is important for NEPAD to be involved in such an initiative which we believe will go a long way in facilitating the realization of the objectives of the NEPAD ICT programmes and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria."
She noted that "NEPAD recognizes the significant role and positive impact that information and communication technologies (ICTs) can have on all aspects of our human life and how ICTs can be used as a veritable tool to enhance economic growth and achieve sustainable development in Africa."
This, she added, informed the "establishment of the e-Africa Commission with the mandate to develop a NEPAD strategy and action plan for an accelerated development of the ICT infrastructure, services, applications and content to meet Africa's development need." "The commission is also to promote the use of ICTs in support of other NEPAD programmes. Focus areas of the e-Africa Commission include: Human Development (e-school and e-learning programmes); e-policies and strategies; public e-awareness and local content."
TechnoFuture is essentially a well targeted human capacity building tool that teaches a unique combination of technology and business skills - or "life skills" - to individuals of all ages, starting from the age of four. This works by using age-appropriate, theme-based, CD-ROM that take into consideration the fact that the way one teaches spreadsheet applications to a 10 year old differs from the way the same skill would be taught to a beneficiary of a poverty eradication programme.
Mr. Victor Olusegun Adeniji, CEO of TechnoFuture Nigeria said, "These are exciting times for Nigeria and we cannot wait to see TechnoFuture in use in schools and universities across the country."
He added, "With TechnoFuture we plan to close the literacy gap among learners of all ages, bridge the digital divide by providing tried and tested content and break the poverty cycle by promoting a circle of job and wealth creation."
One of TechnoFuture's modules comprises a systematic "Train-the-Trainers" programme that teaches educators and workers how to use ICT in the classroom and workplace to teach important computer and business skills.
The NEPAD - TechnoFuture Digital Dividend Initiative has said it will work with major stakeholders to realise the key objective of NEPAD, which is to eradicate poverty in Africa and promote education through the use of ICT.
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