After the trip to the Region of Lebialem, in Cameroon, a delegation from the Lazio Region is in Africa to visit the Refugee camps in the Algerian desert from June 1-6, 2009.
Here is what Romano Santoro, Schools Coordinator for the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, said just back from the trip:
“The objective of this visit was mainly technical. We inspected all the schools that participate in and have received informative material for the Digital Bridge Project. A very interesting preliminary meeting was held with the schools coordinator and the scholastic administrators from the various schools in the Aaiun refugee camp. The interest in participating in the project was immediately evident. The initiative was very well received even by the kindergartens that expressed interest in participating. We also met the Governor of Aaiun with whom we discussed the opportunity of extending the project to other refugee camps.
Technology is a fundamental aspect for the Saharawi people. When many of the young people that are studying in the refugee camps finish their schooling, they move abroad to continue studying and work. Technology allows them to continue their schooling as well as to keep in touch with their families. Another interesting event was the visit to the Women’s House. Many of them are attending computer courses promoted by the Saharawi Red Half Moon. Knowing how to use a PC in a refugee camp is fundamental to rationalise and distribute goods and services. Thus, technology is a fundamental every day resource.
We also visited various elementary schools (8 March, Hadia, Umdraiga, Madida, Cantabria, LogroÅ„o and Cordoba) that provide instruction to more than 6000 children. The Said “Middle School” is attended by 782 students.”
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