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 In 2006, VIA along with Taiwan-based solar power specialists, Motech Industries teamed up to develop various solar power solutions designed to provide sustainable power supply for VIA pc-1computers. By later that year the white-board ideas and concepts had turned into a real-world project: the Samoa Solar-Powered Community Center.
Based in the remote Samoan village of Ulutogia, Aleipata District, the abundance of sunshine meant solar was the logical power source choice. Moreover, the South Pacific has been largely ignored by global ICT deployment initiatives and is only now taking the necessary steps to build a national infrastructure to equip the country.
The aims of the project were threefold. Firstly, the center sought to provide sustainable and cost-effective computer training, e-Education, e-Governance, e-Health facilities and opportunities to the local and surrounding communities. In addition to this, it was intended to provide business opportunities for the community, who could charge a small fee for services (Internet access, word processing, fax, scanner, printing and photocopying) extended to tourists. So not only would it be a cost effective operation, but potentially even profitable.
Finally, a slightly longer-term goal was to serve as a proof-of-concept example demonstrating the feasibility of solar powered ICT centers to international funding bodies. The ultimate objective was to inspire the establishment of more solar powered ICT centers around Samoa (and into other countries) with the aim of integrating e-Education, e-Health and e-Governance programs nationwide.
Well, half a year’s gone by and despite a few minor hiccups, the center continues to roll along nicely. Recently there were some special IT classes arranged for the kids with some cameo Samoan government ministers filling the shoes of teachers. Five ministers from the Immigration department showed up to help out, as did one from the Ministry of Health and another from the Ministry of Finance. With the success of the Samoa concept, look for VIA to move forward with more solar-based projects in the near future.
For more pics of the project, check out our gallery.
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