KARONGI – A community information technology access centre built by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) was on Tuesday inaugurated at Kiziba refugee camp in Karongi district.

According to Honorine Sommet-Lange, the UNHCR Country Deputy Representative, the project is part of the humanitarian work aimed at improving lives of the refugees.

"We consider education of refugees in general and the children in particular as a priority. This is the driving force behind this project,” Honorine said.

She revealed that the information technology access centre was developed in collaboration with Microsoft.

"We began with only 14 computers and more progress has been made with possibilities of connection to the internet soon,” she said.

The facility is meant to benefit over 1000 students including those from nearby secondary schools. 

Francois Gikumba, the leader of the refugees expressed optimism, saying it would be of great benefit to children.
"Our children are now going to get a chance of becoming computer literate,” he said.

The camp, which is home to almost 20,000 Congolese refugees got two labs fully equipped with 44 computers to facilitate education. At least 145 teachers are already undertaking computer training courses.

The camp also has a primary school with over 4,200 pupils and a kindergarten which also cares for 600 refugee children.

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