Digital Dividends by Bilien Woldetatios

How to Fix the Digital Divide around the Globe

Fixing the digital divide around the world would take a similar approach to fixing America’s digital divide. Except, some countries don’t have the funds to even get started. In 2005, The Economist reported that the World Bank has loaned millions of dollars to various countries to try to narrow the digital divide. In 2016, the World Bank reported that 60% of people around the world have a cell phone, but don’t have internet connect. Therefore, some progress has been made, but the global south is still having trouble keeping up. As stated earlier, it’s going to take more than money, so what can we do differently? Maybe it’s time to push jobs in remote locations. For example, a telecommunications tower in the wilderness. It may seem useless at first, but having the tower built brings jobs, which generates money – or capital. Plus, we’re connecting people in remote locations. Or, those locations can incorporate technology-based skills in their curriculum – therefore institution. For example, Ghanaian teacher Akoto Appiah Richard teaches ICT classes without computers at all. He draws the screens on the chalk board and explains what all the features do (BBC 2018). He does this because understands the importance of technology skills in the modern world, and hopes his students won’t fall behind.

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