It goes without saying that it is vital for developing countries
and emerging economies to rely on technology to improve their
situation. For small countries with limited natural resources
such as Lebanon, the development of human capital remains the
greatest strength and source of potential.
Information Technology (IT) in particular, is instrumental and
fundamental in any capacity-building programme. At a time when
Information has become the key word for sustainable development,
its importance, impact and advantages need no justification.
Nonetheless, in Lebanon, access to the World Wide Web is limited
to the few privileged. For women and children and populations
living in remote or rural areas, access is especially limited.
Saradar IT Programmeฎ
presents an opportunity for private enterprises to engage in
community programmes and promote corporate social responsibility
in Lebanon. This project, initiated by the Fondation Saradar
in collaboration with Banque Saradar sal, is part of
our larger mission, (that is) the consolidation of social
cohesion in Lebanon, based on:
the support of the active participation of underprivileged
populations in achieving social integration;
the establishment of an effective and durable partnership
between Business and Civil Society in human development.
The Saradar IT Programmeฎ
is a unique initiative to introduce the world of Information
Technology to communities who do not have access to computers
and the Internet because of income, education and/or location
constraints.
Based on the principles of "equal opportunities for all" and the
"right to access information", this project aims at facilitating
access to technology, by delivering IT skills training in
disadvantaged areas of Lebanon. It will focus, in its first
phase, on the internally displaced populations in the cazas of
Baabda, Aley and Chouf (Mount Lebanon) and specifically, women
and children.
The Saradar IT Programmeฎ
can contribute to "Bridging the Digital Divide" in Lebanon by
helping develop human resources primarily among school and
college students, as well as among educators who will thus be
encouraged to apply IT in every stage of their life.
Besides its immediate objective, that is the acquisition of
computer and electronic skills, this project aims at
consolidating long-term goals of sustainable development:
Improving standards of living: developing local economic
initiatives/activities through information dissemination and
exchange leading to reinforcement of capacities, knowledge and
competence
Empowering women and children: providing these most
disadvantaged social groups with new skills that will positively
influence their academic and professional activities
Professional opportunities: creating new jobs and discovering
new talents and potential
Bridging the gap between urban and rural areas: providing these
areas with services such as information, communication and
electronic facilities, thus paving the way for decentralization
and balanced development (ex: motivating people to relocate from
cities to villages, encouraging investments, cultural tourism,
etc.)
Because a caravan is mobile and mobility is the new trend in
delivering technology. Such Mobility allows for quick, easy
and immediate access to information, enhancing peoples
knowledge, competence and performance, particularly in rural
areas.
The world of technology is continuously and rapidly evolving,
therefore, Mobility allows for the efficient delivery of the
latest technology and e-literacy campaigns.
This school on wheels hence, its mobility, defies and
circumvents the inherited obstacles of:
1. Remote and isolated locations,
2. Limited or inexistent infrastructure,
3. Unavailability of electronic equipment, and
4. Absence of Internet connectivity
5. Exclusion (geographical or social) of some marginalized
social groups
Once again, its major advantage remains in its mobility. Such
mobility makes it particularly attractive, as it offers a
unique opportunity to serve the highest possible number of
people, in their own environment, and at low cost.
All social actors have a decisive role to play in promoting ICT
and in developing an information society in Lebanon. Prospects
for change and for improvements require necessarily a close
collaboration between the government, the educational
institutions, the private sector, with the crucial and active
participation of NGOs. This can be achieved through the adoption
and implementation of policies, strategies, schemes and
initiatives to disseminate new technologies for sustainable
socio-economic growth.
The Saradar Mobile Computer School was designed by an architect
especially commissioned by Fondation Saradar to develop a
customised model adapted to the specific needs and objectives of
the project. Built in Lebanon by 'Carrosserie Abillama', it is
submitted to regular maintenance services provided by the said
company. The 'Saradar IT Programme'ฎ
is a registered trademark (Ministry of Economy 2002). The
Caravan is insured by 'Bankers Assurance s.a.l' and duly
registered at the vehicle department of the Ministry of
Interior.
Dimensions
Internal Length: 800 cm approx.
Internal width: 300 cm approx.
Internal height: 240 cm approx.
Playload capacity: 3 Tons approx.
Doors & Windows
One rear door double opening
One single front door
Row of fixed windows on each side
Air conditioning & Ventilation
1 split unit & 2 ceiling ventilation domes
Lighting
Neon lighting
Internal Equipment
Blinds on rear door & windows
Shelves
Demountable Ramp & 2 Hand-rails for wheel chair access
9 desks
9 chairs (demountable for wheel chair access)
1 flip board chart
1 Water dispenser
": A NEW CONCEPT
)
Dimensions