Mogalakwena HP i-community

The Mogalakwena HP i-community in South Africa marks its third anniversary in September 2005. Since its founding in a government-donated college building in the town of Mokopane, HP and key government and private partners have established training centers and 23 Community Access Points across Limpopo Province, including online community portals in three local languages – Sepedi, Afrikaans and English – a national first. To date, more than 54,000 households have benefited directly or indirectly from i-community programs and services.

HP expanded the Community Computer Camps (C3) program in 2004, offering week-long basic computer skills training to thousands of students - ages 13 to 74 - at 13 public venues. In 2005, 100 local students graduated from a year-long information and communications technology skills training program in partnership with the Information Services, Electronics and Telecommunications Technologies Sector Education Training Authority (ISETT SETA). Participants received nationally recognized qualifications, HP products and support, and dramatically improved job prospects upon graduation.

Other highlights include the launch of an Open Source Center offering the world's first International Computer Driver's License (ICDL) for Linux, giving local job seekers the decisive advantage of possessing an internationally recognized computer skills certificate.

HP also established a fully functioning ICT support call center staffed by local students, and created a Digital Culture Center where local talent can become "Digital Stars." HP will continue to work through September 2005 with its partners including the government of Limpopo Province to transition and expand successful program.