OneWebDay in Ethiopia, Celebrati

ng Online Life

The Ethiopian Information Technology Professionals Association (EITPA) and ICT Focus Magazine in collaboration with CyberCafés in Addis Ababa have organized the celebration of OneWebDay in Ethiopia for the first time.
On 22 and 23 September 2007, Addis Ababa residents interested in learning how to use the Internet went to CyberCafés that partnered for the celebration of OneWebDay. These CyberCafés made available connected computers to the public at a discounted rate for two days. Enthusiastic young volunteers (mainly HiLCoE college students) helped many new Internet users in creating their accounts and showed them how to use the web.

During the weekend, many students from high schools and colleges flocked to the CyberCafés that offered discount. After being introduced to the use of the Internet, some of them stayed surfing the web for hours until their pocket is emptied. In one of the CyberCafés, two blind men came to learn the use of the Internet. Since the CyberCafés were not equipped with the appropriate facilities for blinds, we were not able to teach them. However, we promised to the two individuals to find sponsors for them so that they can learn the use of the Internet.
The Internet was first introduced in Ethiopia in 1993 with the email service called PADISNet. Today, two Ethiopians out of 1000 have access to the Internet. The first OWD celebration in Ethiopia focused on teaching how to utilize the Internet to promote and encourage its use. Besides, at the General Assembly of EITPA held on September 22, Ato Abraham Tameru made a presentation on OneWebDay celebration in Ethiopia.

ICT Focus Magazine, September - October 2007