The national ICT survey (2022) found that almost 90% of Ugandans have not used the internet in the last three months. The reasons provided include: no access to ICT, costs of connectivity, lack of skills, no interest, and limited awareness about the benefits of the Internet.

Digital Skills @ Your Local library - Uganda, mobilises public and community library ICT facilities and skilled staff to provide people, especially women and youth, with the skills they need to get online and access digital opportunities. We work with 27 libraries equipped with public access ICT. We train librarians to improve their ICT and training skills. In places where libraries are not available or sufficiently equipped, we bring 5-day mobile digital literacy camps using a vehicle equipped with solar power, laptops and mobile internet connectivity.

The impact has been transformational. Libraries are training single mothers, street vendors, business women, unemployed youth, teachers, health workers and others. Despite disruptions caused by Covid-19 lockdowns, libraries trained over 6,000 people in 2021/22. In addition, almost 900 people completed online courses, studying in learning circles (groups of fellow learners) in libraries. Many have used their new knowledge to generate income for themselves and their families.

https://www.eifl.net/eifl-in-action/digital-skills-and-inclusion-through-libraries-uganda

• Uganda

• Youth
• Women
• The unemployed
• The poor
• Remote and rural communities
• teachers, health workers

The project is built on existing infrastructure of public libraries, equipped with computers and internet by the government or private donors. It can be replicated in other low income countries, which have a public and community library network, equipped with ICT, paid staff and/or volunteers, and administrative support from library authorities.

We are relying on an existing and sustainable network of local libraries, which is supported by the government at national and local levels, and that has public access ICT infrastructure and staff. All tools used in the project are open source and free.

Digital technologies have offered local libraries new opportunities to increase access to knowledge, support democracy and multiculturalism, help people to learn life-changing skills for the future, and improve standards of living. Like WSIS, we believe that in today’s world, equitable and sustainable development is only possible if individuals and communities have the tools and skills to participate in and benefit from digital technologies and the internet. Libraries in Uganda are harnessing the power of digital technologies, providing essential skills training in their communities, including for the most vulnerable groups, and helping to bridge the digital divide. By providing public access to the internet, information, staff support, and a wide range of educational and cultural programmes, Ugandan public and community libraries stand as unique partners in building a people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented information society. Librarians are agents of change, they know their communities well and are key to delivering the knowledge that communities need to improve their lives and contribute to development goals and targets.