open telecentres in Liberia

A few weeks ago, I retold the story of an open, mobile telecentre in Monrovia. Yes, the one which moved when it rained heavily. I have since found several other locations with this brand. Makes me think: "telecentres Liberian style". Frankly, if you were to remove the cost of infrastructure (walls, roof, doors etc) telecentre services for all by year -- (fill in your choice) should be achievable a few years early. With internet access via GSM, clients should be able to surf too! Food for thought within the telecentre.org community.

Telecentres – pushing the boundaries

You have already seen ice cream corns under an umbrella. I now present to you telecentre services under an umbrella. Yes, we have wheels too for mobile.

I found this innovative model in the suburbs of Monrovia, Liberia. The owner, Robert explained to me how it works. He provides a wide range of secretarial services - typesetting, scanning, ID cards, lamination etc. I asked Robert what happens on rainy afternoon - which is often, by Monrovia weather. You see the little kiosk on the right on the photo? Well, he runs in with the telecentre. Good that it’s also fitted with wheels for maximum mobility. Check out the power generator in the background. It is turned on demand only.

When it rained the next day, I went back to see Robert - in the middle of the heavy pour. The second photo is what I found. The Umbrella is covering the power generator the rest is sheltered somewhere else.

Next time you think of a telecentre - you can think outside the box

Telecentres - pushing the boundary 2

I returned to the telecentre in Monrovia on a rainy day to checkout how my new-found innovator was coping. This is what I found. And he was spot-on. The equipment had been taken away save the power generator, which was sheltered under an umbrella. There you are!