CONNECT A SCHOOL, CONNECT A COMMUNITY

This Section features case studies about school connectivity projects and experiences from different countries around the world. The examples underline different approaches to school connectivity, including (1) establishing special programmes to implement connectivity for specific schools (Chile and Thailand); (2) top-down and bottom-up methods (Tunisia and Namibia, respectively); (3) bringing together development partners and new technologies (Macedonia); and (4) subsidizing Internet access tariffs for schools (United States).  The case studies can be found at the following hyper-links:

-- Macedonia case study -- The Macedonia Connects project was established in 2004, as a partnership between the Macedonian education ministry and the U.S. Agency for International Development, although its roots extended back two years earlier with a donation of 5,000 computers from China. The culmination of this international effort was a record-breaking connection of all Macedonia’s schools to the Internet between May and September 2005.

-- Namibia case study - Namibia’s SchoolNet programme has taken a non-profit, non-governmental approach to providing sustainable Internet access in the country’s schools. SchoolNet works with a range of partners, including the incumbent telecommunication operator and overseas development agencies, and provides open-source technologies and innovative connectivity solutions.

-- Thailand case study -- In Thailand, the government is working to build synergies between ICT facilities at the nation’s universities and those in its primary and secondary schools. The effort in schools began with SchoolNet, which benefited from low Internet access rates set by the Telephone Organisation of Thailand. The Communication Authority of Thailand pitched in through low-cost international backbone access. Later, the government merged SchoolNet with a broader network, EdNet, which includes university coverage.

-- Tunisia case study -- Tunisia’s dedication to education has translated into a priority effort to establish connectivity in its schools. Tunisia was the first African and Arab country to establish international backbone connectivity in 1991, and the country’s president set a goal in 1997 to connect all schools to the Internet by the end of 2001. By 2006, 100 per cent of the 775 junior secondary schools were connected, as were 87 per cent of the 4,500 primary schools. Tunisia then began turning its attention increasingly toward expanding capacity and download speeds.

-- United States case study -- The U.S. approach has been to subsidize discounted service provided by private operators. The E-Rate programme underwrites discounts for telecommunication services provided to schools, libraries and other educational institutions. Operated in conjunction with the country’s universal service fund, E-Rate spent more than USD 16 billion from 1998 to 2008. As a result, 100 per cent of American schools have Internet access, and 97 per cent have broadband connections.