THE INFORMATION ACCESS CENTRE AT IPRC KIGALI

Rwanda is transforming into knowledge -based and export- oriented economy witch increasingly relies on the on manufacturing and service sectors both in terms of production and employment. Providing Rwandan access to information will enable Rwanda to move firmly towards a knowledge- based economy.

IT is becoming a critical aspect of a modem education system and an important corner stone to a country’s ability to make the transition to a knowledge economy. The Center at IPRC Kigali will promote access to information, which eventually will allow acquisition of knowledge, and shall be usefully in the economic development of Rwanda. The center will increase our capacity to respond to the evolving knowledge and social and economic environments.

The IAC is important as it will contribute to the information and communication technologies in the development of the national economies and in the improvement of the socio-economic standards of life.

In March 2012, the Information Access Centre (IAC) was inaugurated at the IPRC Kigali. The Centre is used for accessing information, training, seminars and conferences amongst others to prepare Rwandan (Students, staffs and community) to contribute for the expected knowledge based economic setup in Rwanda.

The IAC is a multifunction facility that consists of an Internet lounge, an IT Training laboratory, a seminar room and an administrative office. The Centre is aimed at creating an opportunity to access information so that the public can benefit from IT, raise IT literacy and to promote IT cooperation between Rwanda and South Korea.

We recognize and appreciate the outstanding work of the Korean government Through the Information Society Agency (NIA). IPRC Kigali considers itself very lucky to be chosen by NIA to host the IAC in Rwanda in order to enhance, foster IT & ICT, and to create a healthy information living space that will contribute to transforming Rwanda into an IT nation whereby all information of government, trading and other activities is continuing to be computerized.

By establishing this centre, NIA Korea is bringing to Rwanda the Korean experience of building an information oriented society. The Centre is expected to help Rwanda to transform its society trough consultation, provision of information, conduct training, and continue supporting the Centre. Through the centre, NIA helping Rwanda to bridge the global information gap (Digital divide). As the old saying goes, “information is power”  in this  global Village, Rwanda will benefit from this project, as our students, staff, and the population at large will be well informed.