KatangaNet

Is a community network that connects the unconnected of the city of Kolwezi in the province of Lualaba to the internet and tools necessary to empower them for greatness. The project is a pilot test sponsored by the Internet Society with the aim to build a digital ecosystem in education, health and business enabling community members to leverage on connectivity for socio-economic empowerment.The project involved establishing information access points such as Core23lab center which also provide free digital literacy to various members of the community. 

The project also aims at setting up connectivity in slum areas of Lualaba where conventional deployments are not available. This access will be provided through mobile networks, with a reliable school server providing students a digital education platform, as well as connection to “Internet Lite”. We currently also work with the Basic Internet foundation to get access to professional connectivity devices to make this a reality in connecting schools in Katanga and Lualaba province. The project provides not only access to the internet but also access to relevant digital skills and devices to foster usage of the community network spots. We also target marginalized groups such as youth and women in Cite mania on the benefits of digital literacy increasing their capacity to learn and earn. 

Core23Lab KatangaNet Centre

At core23lab we strive to empower our communities for greatness, and in order to achieve that we came up with a community center for excellence. The center empowers both men and women, youth and elders, marginalized and the able who are willing to make a difference with the various tools and information available on the internet for social-economic advancement. The center is equipped with computers connected through a Local area network that was built by the community members themselves. Through the center we are able to organize training sessions that cut across the various domains of the digital world such as computer basics, cloud computing, programming, computer networking, digital security, web development, and Artificial intelligence. The content of each training is presented in the language suitable to the participants such as swahili, English and French. Core23Lab works with volunteers from various organizations that are willing to impart their knowledge and skills for the benefits of the congolese community. As such, we are open to working with individuals or groups willing to give constructive information, tools, and advice for free to bring about positive change in the country.

Sponsors and collaborators

Thanks to the Internet society and the Basic Internet foundation for coming to sponsor and provide various materials for the realization of the project. The current results of a pilot test portrays a brighter future for the province and the whole country as we strive to get communities connected and engaged in the development of the country. Core23lab is a non profitable organization that is willing to work with various stakeholders with the aim to engage the Congolese communities to greatness. If you would like to work with us and enlarge this project to make a daring impact on the Congolese community, please do not hesitate to contact us using this email address: engage@core23lab.org.