25 October 2017 - AFRINIC is pleased to announce the FIRE Award winners 2017.
1. The EduAirBox Project
EduAir (Formerly Kwiizi) from Cameroon is the concept name to offer a better education via digital with or without the internet. Their work focuses on the design of portable and open media libraries in the form of Boxes with solar energy giving access to millions of educational content and offering an integrated communication system where learners can make video calls within the local network deployed by the Box. http://www.eduair.org
2. The Last Mile Connectivity by African Renewable Energy Distributor
The African Renewable Energy Distributor (ARED) from Rwanda has developed the Shiriki Hub, business in a box solar-powered kiosk to provide efficient distribution of digital services and offer last mile offline and online connectivity for low income people. They are using a micro franchise model to truly empower people. They developed a business in a box solar kiosk, app and software platform to bring connectivity solutions using internet WIFI, intranet solution for offline users, phone charging solutions and with their app they offer additional services such as airtime, mobile money, prepaid electricity, tax payment for people at the base of the pyramid. http://www.a-r-e-d.com
3.The Mobile Solar Computer Classroom
The Mobile Solar Computer Classroom consists of an all-terrain vehicle equipped with solar panels, laptops, an internet router and 2 teachers. Taking all the equipment needed to provide computer skills lessons, the project partners with schools, community organisation and libraries to provide consistent practical and relevant computer skills trainings.http://maendeleofoundation.orgThe FIRE Award consists of a USD 3,000 cash prize plus travel and accommodation cost coverage for one representative of each project to attend the awards ceremony, and participate in sessions which will be held in Switzerland during the 2017 Internet Governance Forum