The small southern African country of Lesotho took another step in bridging the digital divide with the opening of a new World Bank sponsored Development Information Center. The keynote address of Health Minister and acting Education Minister Motloheloa Phooko helped launch the center to the public. “We are stepping forward in development, in e-learning and information with this new auspicious DIC that gives us ownership, partnership, technology linkages and information sharing”.  | National University of Lesotho acting Vice Chancellor Mafa M. Sejanamane launches the DIC. |
The World Bank, in partnership with the National University of Lesotho, opened the new DIC on September 14 at the university in Roma. The center is also sponsored by other development partners, including the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, UNICEF and the UNAIDS. Its aim is to help broaden the development debate and help share development knowledge, and to improve the effectiveness of development programs in Lesotho. Dignitaries attending the launch included acting Vice Chancellor Mafa M. Sejanamane. He told the audience of development partners, academics and students that the DIC is a critical part of information sharing and pushing Lesotho into the new technology era. He also described the World Bank, and other development partners, as a “gold mine of information” that will help ensure students and other members of the public have sustainable access to development information. World Bank Country Director Ritva Reinikka underscored the Bank’s commitment to the center and to providing materials in a timely fashion. She urged everyone to put the material to very good use and to “spread the word” that the DIC is open to all. All partners to the DIC signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the opening ceremony.  | Africa region Chief Economist John Page, Lesotho Country Director Ritva Reinikka, Health Minister and acting Minister of Education Motloheloa Phooko, Chief Education Officer Mrs. Malerato Khoeli, FAO Country Representative Castro Paulino Camarada and UNAIDS Country Coordinator Tim M. Rwabuhemba listen to the proceedings |
The center offers a range of facilities and services that stimulate development thinking through access to the latest knowledge and information. It’s a one-stop-center for public access to information on development. It took several months of planning on the part of the World Bank, particularly the communications team from the South African country office and the Lesotho liaison office in Maseru, and the university to ensure the on-time opening. On the day, the center had four computers, including two donated by the Bank, and shelves populated with books, documents and other materials on issues ranging from HIV/AIDS, gender and civil society to globalization, agriculture, and private sector development. The center also has a dedicated librarian, Mrs Mathetha Mukela. Following the launch, some 300 people packed the university auditorium to listen to Africa Region Chief Economist John Page discuss “shared growth” and regional integration. His appearance and the following debate marked the beginning of the Bank-sponsored Development Dialogue Series in Lesotho, expected to take place as a quarterly event. The dialogue is aimed at providing a forum for government and civil society to debate issues of developmental interest and to enrich the process of policy making in the country. |
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