Geekcorps’ international technology experts teach communities how to be
digitally independent by expanding private enterprise with
innovative, appropriate, and affordable information and communication technologies.
17th April 2006
In Mali it is not uncommon, when school is in session, to see students reading their textbooks and doing their exercises by the side of the highway, under the glow of streetlights. Why? Because most Malian residences do not have electricity or lighting.
Geekcorps Mali, in partnership with Mali’s Ecole National d’Ingenieurs (National School of Engineering), hopes to change that.
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Geekcorps is a division of the International Executive Service Corps.
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Papou Coulibaly is young boutique owner in Ouélessébougou. Previously, Geekcorps partnered with Papou to create a Cybertigi - an Internet access point for the local community via a wireless link to a Community Information & Learning Center (CLIC).
The Cybertigi proved to be a very successful experiment, becoming popular with first time Internet users who found Papou’s mini-cyber both affordable and accessible. Unfortunately, after several months of Cybertigi operation the CLIC lost its Internet connection and Papou returned his equipment back to the CLIC.
Undeterred, Papou Coulibaly saw the potential for offering offline ICT services in Ouélessébougou and went about creating a unconnected cyber café at his boutique. Using the Geekcorps’ Cybertigi design, Papou acquired three computers, a laser printer, scanner, digital camera, photo printer, a Bluetooth adapter, speakers and a headset, even building a permanent metal shelter for his cyber café boutique.
