Faculty, working with students in the ICT Global Corps, began work in 2008 to build a sustainable broadband network in Tanzania. They teamed up with the University of Dar es Salaam set up a solar powered computer lab with broadband internet connection at Baraka, a primary school outside of Arusha, Tanzania. The systems put in place were developed to address the challenges of a harsh climate, environment, and the lack of a power grid. For most students at Baraka, this was the first time any of them had ever seen, or even heard of a computer before.

Since Baraka, the ICT Global Corps have also connected a secondary school in Tanzania, and will most likely be connecting more. There are also plans to expand the program to put additional focus on creating content for the networks that have been set up. The content being developed will emphasize access to information and educational resources including cognitive games, e-commerce, health, agricultural and market data, and social support.

More Infomation:

• Video: Bringing the World to Tanzania - an MSUToday episode
• Article: MSUToday Magazine: Multidisciplinary efforts address climate change in Tanzania through curriculum and technology (PDF)
• Photos: MSU TISM's Flickr Photos - 2009 Tanzania Photos and 2010 Tanzania Photos
• Photos: Jake Mazur's Tanzania Flickr Photos - Tanzania Set 1 Photos and Tanzania Set 2 Photos
• Related Academic Program: Undergraduate Specialization in ICT for Development
• Related Study Abroad: ICT Global Corps Field Study
• Related Paper: An Analysis of e-Learning Impacts & Best Practices in Developing Countries With Reference to Secondary School Education in Tanzania