This session began with a discussion involving the use of the Internet in the rural, developing areas of Africa. We were fortunate to have with us four students from Africa who are currently enrolled at St. John's University . Gabriel J. Ssenkindo OSB from Uganda. When asked about the Internet in these geographical areas, they all spoke about the lack of a reliable electrical power source for Internet transmission and operation. Of course, such a lack of infrastructure renders Internet usage in these areas most unreliable if not virtually impossible.
Poverty is obviously a major issue here.
Our guest students emphasized that the Internet is a tool of liberation in many developing countries, including Africa. As far as the practical issues involved, commission members concluded that providing Internet access to developing countries should be a priority, especially regarding computer availability and infrastructural sources of power. A discussion followed about our educational goals. One of the members present said that she thought that at least 10 percent of a community's members should be able to troubleshoot computers, including the ability to dismantle and then reassemble them. We were asked to conceive of these in the form of opportunities, challenges, and choices, and to consider the broader issues related to computer technology and its infrastructure, and not just the Internet.