KIGALI, Rwanda – The Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with Intel Corporation, MTN, Bank of Rwanda, ASI-D, Positivo BGH, and Microsoft yesterday announced the launch of a laptop purchase programme for university students and lecturers in both public and private institutions. The programme is part of the Ministry of Youth and ICT (MYICT),“Viziyo” initiative that aims to accelerate access to smart devices in the country and increase countrywide broadband penetration.
Students and lectures will get access to financing from the Bank of Rwanda to purchase Intel-based Positivo BGH laptops bundled with free Microsoft Office 365 license valid for three years, free Microsoft Windows 8.1 upgradable to Windows 10, 3G USB Modem and a monthly internet bundle from MTN of 1GB for 1 year.
“The government of Rwanda is investing heavily in ICT infrastructure,” said Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Minister for Youth and ICT. “Already, a national high-speed fibre-optic backbone has been deployed in all thirty districts and also connects eleven border posts.”
He added that 4G LTE internet covers 14 districts with the aim of covering 95% of the population by 2017. It further installed Wi-Fi access in all private and public universities, adding that the ‘Viziyo’ programme will activate the demand for this infrastructure.”
Providing easy access of devices to youth will spur innovation outside lecture rooms and connect them to a world of opportunities,” said Dr Papias Musafiri Malimba, Minister of Education.
The goal of Rwanda’s government is to develop the country into middle-income status. By ensuring ICT access to all its citizens and achieving full digitization, Rwanda aims to become Africa’s digital center which is already part of Viziyo’s long term goal.
“As demand for ICT skills increases, there is an urgent need to start preparing young people while they are in school for the 21st century workplace. With the youth population booming we believe supporting education with sustainable and relevant technology is a priority for all of us,” said Intel’s General Manager for East Africa Mr Danie Steyn, one of the stakeholders that attended the launch.
Mr Nsengimana applauded MTN, Intel Corporation, ASI-D, Bank of Rwanda, Positivo BGH and Microsoft for their continued support in helping the government equip youth with ICT devices. “This collaboration strategically positions us towards our goal of achieving a digitized and digitally literate nation,” he added.
The next phase of the Laptop Purchase Programme will include beneficiaries from other segments such as public and private sector institutions, youth, women cooperatives and community leaders eventually making it a citizen program open to all.
that’s really amazing but by chance I would like to know if it will be provided for all students regardless their year of education,,,thanks