The U.S Embassy in Lusaka has signed a grant with FORGE a U.S based non government organization that supports refuges to establish internet service at Maheba Refuge Settlement in North Western Province.
The internet connectivity is aimed at empowering residents of Maheba Settlement with an easy gate way to the rest of the World without obtaining gate passes.
The internet connectivity is also aimed at allowing Refuges at Maheba Settlement to research information about their legal rights and information regarding their countries of origins.
Speaking after the signing ceremony in Lusaka today Charge d’ Affairs at the U.S Embassy in Lusaka Stephen Schwartz said internet services make people understand issues well hence them making informed decisions.
Mr Schwartz also noted that communication is vital as it lifts people from poverty due to the knowledge they acquire and apply on sustainable issues.
He said connecting Maheba Settlement will encourage stakeholders to peruse initiatives that will lead to lasting solutions for refuges at the settlement adding that it will encourage self sufficiency.
He said the facilities will not only make refuges make informed decisions on certain issues but will help them to peruse solutions to their daily challenges as refuges and take control of their livelihood.
FORGE has been working in Zambia for the past seven years providing various services to refuges with a focus on preparing them for repatriation to their countries of origin.
Among the services FORGE has been involved in include early childhood education, agricultural finance, health care, women’s empowerment and computer technology.
[ ZANIS ]
As much as I appreciate the grant to Forge to establish internet connectivity at Mahemba Refuge Settlement is welcome I am not happy as it would have made sense to avail such services in Solwezi town to afford majority of the pipo access to such a facility. I still recall during the 70’s where UN created a situation where the locals used to live in poverty whilst the refuges had a better standard of living. Even today the support that has been made available to refuges has been much better than the local population. The locals also need support of all forms. The US Embassy or NGO’s should focus or do more projects in North Western as it receives little compared to other provinces.
#1 this is the a very dull comment. The locals are not refugees so they do not need hand outs. They have land for agriculture and all the resources they need to better their lives. Can we try and move away from this syndrome of begging and just for once fend for ourselves. May be refugees from these camps should also be given a right to get jobs in the various mines in Solwezi?
That’s awesome news for a refugee. But what about the ordinary Zambian citizen with no remote electricity connection??? ?changamukeni ba zambia…. life is too short!!!!
#1 You can fill in the gap with your personal resources. What’s the point of being in the diaspora if you are not investing back where you came from? Internet in Solwezi is your responsibility, Kaonde man.
Haha. Number 1 what you need are leaders that are aware of the needs of the people in Solwezi. Forge is an organization started by a few young individuals who saw and disliked the lack of opportunity, respect and freedoms that refugees in Africa are faced with. With meager resources they have tirelessly worked to call to the attention of those with resources, the needs of refugees. We should encourage these young foreigners and learn from them what it is to care for and about the underprivileged. Number 1 your unhappiness is misplaced.
Dont be jelousy refugees r people who deserve better life too. Dont cry bras work hard and develop this small town. it only takes a few thousands to open up internet. Why do u politicise simple issues .Love your neighbor as your self.Speak to zamtel only……