A different perspective

I have indeed enjoyed blogging about technology in Ghana this semester. I believe that I have been able to provide a different perspective on technological developments and news in Ghana as well as the unique applications of certain technologies in Ghana like the phone booth, cell phones as well as facebook. But as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. And there are some pictures that I have found that do just that.
This first picture is one that says it all.

In Ghana, there are so many that go without electricity and this is how some kids do their homework at night, by the use of kerosene lamps. In America we take electricity for granted but in Ghana, there are many people that are forced to end their day when the sun sets. And this isn’t just a problem in villages. If you aren’t rich enough to buy a generator when there is a sudden power outage even in the city, you would still be powerless. Kerosene lamps are the solution to most lighting needs like night time homework and the first thing that comes to mind is the fire hazard that exists with this scenario. If this lamp tips, all homework would be on fire - and many other things as well.

Another topic that has been on the tech headlines this past month or so is the emergence of the Ipad. There’s been all this craze here in the West about how innovative it is and all its capabilities but in villages that are running on solar power (if any at all) and satellite internet (if any at all), the kindle remains the favorite. There are so many barriers in education that the kindle can solve. A lack of books in schools would not longer exist because they could just be downloaded. Students could read in the night when there is no electricity and they would also have enhanced their technological adaptability. It also doesn’t have the bulkiness of a desktop computer or even a laptop. This underappreciated instrument has made life easier for those in less developed areas and will continue to do more. That can be seen on the faces of these students in this picture.

The photographic quality is not the best but the rule of thirds was obeyed and the impact that these kindles will have on the lives of these children who I’m sure have suffered conditions similar to what is shown in the first picture will be eternally grateful. It lasts for 2 weeks without a charge and has free internet access. This is a clear demonstration of how Africa takes technologies here and makes them their own.