implementation plan

Infrastructure Readiness & Platform Deployment

Prior to the deployment of any ICTs in educational institutions, a fundamental prerequisite is the availability of appropriate infrastructure and support. It should be no surprise that many schools and educational institutions in Namibia, similar to those in most developing countries, lack basic access to electricity and telecommunication services. Without these basic elements, the number of possible ICT interventions possible is significantly reduced. Assuming that the infrastructure readiness issues are addressed, the deployment of ICTs in education involves the acquisition and installation of hardware and software.

The ICTs in Education Steering Committee has developed comprehensive ICT Technical Standards and specifications to ensure that ICT deployments in all educational institutions are consistent and efficient. The ICT Technical Standards create the framework for the development of multiple solutions in achieving the education priorities. These deployment models will be coupled with a sector-wide networking service for affordable connectivity to all institutions.

Click here for a PDF version of the ICT Technical Standards.

Currently, approximately 350 educational institutions in Namibia have some form of ICTs. An analysis using a comprehensive Mapping Survey has been initiated to determine the precise nature, availability, and use of existing equipment in schools and educational institutions. This Mapping Survey and a corresponding e-readiness survey will assist in developing a comprehensive deployment list. The actual deployment of ICTs in all educational institutions will encourage the rapid expansion of access to all teachers and learners and promote a pro-poor policy. Within each educational institution type, schools/facilities currently without ICTs will receive priority over those with ICTs.

In addition, consistent with the drive towards Vision 2030, it is envisioned that ICTs deployed in educational institutions can become a vehicle through which ICTs are diffused to the entire community. Provision of access to the ICTs located in education institutions should be provided to clinics, local NGOs, and community members through an agreed framework developed by the ICTs in Education Steering Committee. To date, a number of enterprising schools have already developed schemes and programmes which provide access to community members through the development of school-based Internet Cafes.

Importantly, the Ministry of Education has also been engaged with government parastatals and line Ministries such as Telecom Namibia, NamPower, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to coordinate the roll-out of a national infrastructure with the actual deployment of ICTs in schools and other educational institutions.

Click here to see the deployment targets for all educational institution types included in Phase I of the Implementation Plan.

Last modified on: 14-Sep-2007