Sesigo Project Launched In SElebi-Phikwe

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Monday November 1, 2010 00:00

Speaking at the launch, Principal Librarian, Keseitse Same said the main aim of the project is to allow meaningful access to computers and the internet in Botswana. She said the government will take care of the maintenance and upgrade of libraries, boosting internet connectivity, purchasing equipment and footing recurrent costs while BMGF is responsible for computer hardware and software installation and training costs.

Same stated that the project aims to transform public libraries to allow them to provide a full range of information services and have a measurable positive impact on the lives of users both socially and economically. She said that the project avails a platform where everybody can access the internet at no cost.

'Sesigo is also meant to empower library staff to be effective library champions and information workers in the communities they serve. To date there are 18 public libraries that have been equipped with computers in the country. Sesigo is a welcome development in most communities and it has had an impact on library statistics and user profile as we have began to see the elderly population now visiting libraries and utilising library services,' she said.

Same explained that training of staff has been carried out in all the 18 libraries. She said that since the inception of the project, 4,000 members of the public have been trained on basic computer skills.

Selebi-Phikwe Town Council education secretary, Letumile Molodi said since the project started in June, the number of people visiting the library has increased from 1,500 per month to 2,300 per month. He asserted that the library is faced with challenges like lack of relevant books, low membership and lack of support from the community. 'Since the inception of Sesigo, we have registered 83 new members. We encourage all to seek membership of the library,' he appealed. Molodi said the library cannot succeed without the support from the community. He called on school heads to market the library. He added that the library does not discriminate on the basis of age or nationality.