Foreword.
Digital connectivity in the time of COVID-19 is no longer about traditional communication and the search for information; it has become a lifeline for using data, consuming content, and engaging in digital applications by individuals, governments, and businesses to ensure continuity of economic and social activities in light of social distancing and the complete lockdown in most countries of the world (World Bank, 2020). COVID-19 has addressed the need for digital inclusion and unexpectedly accelerated digital uptake. However, the digital divide has rather increased, as those having broadband connectivity could follow both education and work-related activities remotely, while those without digital connectivity, mostly from rural areas, were left behind.
We bear witness how big the divide was in our public schools and private schools during the pandemic and that was the drive behind this groundbreaking project we call SCHOOL CONNECTIVITY which took form in 2021 as a pilot study. Together with the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF), Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, Basic Internet Foundation, TTCL, Shule Direct, and Government of Tanzania through the different agencies (Central, local and Regional), we see Read More