Ensoft Brings Computing to Schools in African Countries

Ensoft, a U.K. developer of software used in data centers, has donated money for three ZubaBoxes that will be installed in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

A ZubaBox is a solar-powered, self-contained data center and computer lab housed in a shipping container that can run where standard electricity is unavailable. The project is run by Computer Aid International. The organization hopes they will provide computer literacy skills to rural people on the continent of Africa.

“Ensoft works hard to drive the IT industry forward, benefiting users in the UK and across the world. However, our employees strongly feel that we should do more to help the many millions of people that do not have access to IT and the Internet at all. Computer Aid's experience in reducing poverty through technology makes them an ideal charity partner for us,” Ensoft chairman John Cooper (News - Alert) said.

“As a company that develops software that is used to connect the world, we think the ZubaBox is a wonderful initiative, helping people in remote areas to gain the computing skills and access to the Internet which they need to develop their communities. Our thanks to Computer Aid who had the vision to realize the potential of the ZubaBox and the expertise required to ensure that the ZubaBoxes are delivered to communities that can really benefit from them. We hope to continue our partnership with Computer Aid and plan to continue working with the charity's ZubaBox project in the future,” he added.

One Zubabox will go to the Murtala Mohammed foundation in Nigeria, a non-profit that attempts to improve the lives of Africans. It will be used by two schools in Taraba state and will be available for use by locals as well as students and teachers.

Another will go to Macha Works, a local co-operative in rural Zambia. The organization has already built a mesh network in the country, the largest rural mesh network in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization has already connected the town of Macha, hence the name, and will use the ZubaBox to help other communities in the area to get online.

The third ZubaBox will go to UNESCO's Madziwa Secondary School in Zimbabwe. Although the school, like many towns in the area, does not have electricity, the students will have access to computers and e-learning materials, both of which will allow them to have higher-paying jobs in the future.

Computer Aid International has also worked with Cargill and NComputing.