Demand for computers is soaring as Liberia rebuilds, but the supply can’t keep pace. Nor can pricing, especially in rural areas. CCTV (China Central Television, via their English outlet CNTV) recently aired a segment on computing in rural Liberia.

The video provides a glimpse into the Saclepea Community Computer Center. The computer center is a lifeline for the local community (estimated population 17,000). SCCC has regular satellite internet with generator. People visit to check Facebook, but they also go to learn tech skills. In fact, a graduate of the center has already found a paid job in data processing!

More on Saclepea Community Center:

In January 2011, U.S. non-profit West Africa Crossroads Corporation (WACC) helped locals open the Saclepea Community Computer Center. The computers are used by high school students during the day. At night and on weekends, the center functions as Saclepea’s first public internet café. Classes are offered (for-profit), but are seen as a wise investment; positive feedback was rolling in from day one.

Planning process:

1. a group came to Liberia and trained teachers
2. they also conducted local assessment for the computer program
3. Saclepea community reciprocated by providing one lot of land for the center
4. the results are new job opportunities

Also:

• The lab was outfitted with new netbooks instead of recycled desktops due to power consumption constraints. Such foresight will save an estimated $5,000 US in fuel costs.
• 2012 Saclepea Economic Empowerment Competition to “choose the best proposal(s) for a new business in Saclepea which will make use of the resources of Saclepea and of the internet and computer facilities of the SCCC”
• SCCC Facebook
• WACC Tumblr (last updated November 2011)