Samsung Electronics Africa has launched its Digital Village in the community of Kasenga, 250 kilometers away from Lubumbashi.
The Digital Village will provide access to communication technologies, and education and health services to under-resourced areas, bridging the digital divide and serving as a catalyst for local business development and government service delivery.
The components of the Samsung Digital Village include: a Solar Powered Internet School, built to accommodate up to 24 learners; a Solar Powered Tele-Medical Centre; and a Solar Power Generator that powers up the Admin Centre, which can be used as office space for local entrepreneurs and any other nearby school or community centre personnel with limited electricity supply.
In addition to providing the appropriate technologies, Samsung is also working to ensure that the community takes ownership of the Digital Village and receives adequate training to optimise use of the facilities.
The multi-purpose solution aligns very well with the communities need for improved standards of living through using sustainable answers to problems faced by African people.
The Samsung Digital Village model addresses one of Africa’s largest economic challenges – electrification. Power poverty results in limited access to education, healthcare and connectivity – all of which are key to socio-economic development.
Mr. Bill Kim, Managing Director of DRC Branch for Samsung Electronics East Africa said: “The Digital Village demonstrates our innovative approach to investing in people and their communities. This initiative offers a complete educational infrastructure, comprehensive healthcare solution and power generation capabilities that will spur the growth of small businesses and harness the energy of the sun to minimise running costs, among others.”
“The United Nations says being online is now seen as fundamental to human development, and access to the Internet may soon become a basic human right, like access to water. We also understand that success in Africa requires commitment to creating the market and infrastructure around it – not just entering it,” he adds. “That’s why we are putting resources into a variety of initiatives across the continent that are designed to address the unique needs and conditions of the continent.”