Bridging the Connectivity Divide: GONLINE AFRICA Empowers Rural Nyatike Community
In the heart of Nyatike sub-county, nestled just 2km from the glistening waters of River Kuja in Migori County, lies Matanda—a thriving home and business hub for diverse communities from Kenya and neighboring countries. This region, locally known as Osiri Matanda, has gained prominence for its rich gold mineral deposits, fostering economic growth and providing livelihoods to thousands. However, despite the prosperity, the residents of Matanda face significant challenges, including limited connectivity, healthcare access, and sanitary services.
The Digital Dilemma
Matanda is home to approximately 3,000 people, with half of the population being youths aged between 16 and 50. These individuals, engaged in gold mining, business, and essential services, rely on basic communication mediums like radio, lacking internet access and digital skills. The digital divide is palpable, as the residents are unaware of the untapped potential the internet holds for their community.
Challenges
- Families can not connect and reunite with their families easily using the modern internet-enabled platforms such as Whatsapp, Telegram among other video-conferencing applications.
- Emergency cases - Osiri gold mine has claimed many lives due to landslides, but communities around lack immediate ways to communicate and reach out to responsible rescure organizations or even share the occurance with friends and familiies.
- Nyatike is prone to floods that render thousands of families homeless but what makes it worse is the fact that school-going pupils are locked out of school for over a month without access to learning materials or facilities.
GONLINE AFRICA's Intervention
Recognizing the urgent need to bridge this digital gap, GONLINE AFRICA has launched a groundbreaking solution—GONLINE AFRICA INTERNET BOX, affectionately known as GOINBOX. This low-power, low-cost, and easy-to-deploy solution takes only five minutes to set up, providing internet connectivity to remote areas, disaster prone areas or areas where immediate response is needed like Matanda.
Alongside, the connectivity GONLINE AFRICA provide a portable and interractive offline learning materials to affected students and pupils in schools where flooding has occured. This ensures continuity in learning during disaster.
Digital Literacy training for the community members on internet governance, digital consumption, and digital hygiene.
GOINBOX in Action
With the capability to connect 500 users simultaneously without buffering, GOINBOX has become a lifeline for Matanda's residents. Beyond providing internet access, it has proven instrumental during emergencies and disaster, such as landslides. Matanda's susceptibility to such disasters necessitates quick and efficient communication with relevant agencies, and GOINBOX facilitates just that. It enables real-time coverage of events, offering crucial information to guide rescue teams.
Affordability for All
One of the most remarkable aspects of GOINBOX is its affordability. Over 100 community members can access the internet for as low as 20 Kenyan Shillings a day, making it an inclusive solution for even the most economically challenged residents.
Building Local Entrepreneurs GONLINE AFRICA's initiative goes beyond connectivity—it empowers the community by providing training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, internet governance, and innovative skills. GOINBOX not only addresses the problem of access but also transforms community members into local entrepreneurs. By allowing them to own the box, residents can become rural Internet Service Providers (ISPs), creating a sustainable model for economic growth.
GONLINE AFRICA's GOINBOX emerges as a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers and empowering communities in remote and rural areas. In Matanda, this innovative solution is not merely providing internet access; it is fostering a digital revolution, creating opportunities, and paving the way for a brighter, more connected future. As we witness the positive impact in Matanda, there's hope that GOINBOX will be a catalyst for change in other underserved regions across Africa, turning digital dreams into reality.