eGeneration attempts poverty alleviation with technology

Screen shot of eMicrofinance

As part of the initial implemenation of the project, eGeneration, is providing web and network solutions, IT consultancy and other IT related services at the NGO level, particularly to micro-finance institutions located in rural areas.

Selected individuals from more than fifteen NGOs are being trained on internet and software applications at the eGeneration office in Dhaka as well as at regional offices of the NGOs. Upon completion, new trainees will start educating the villagers of their respective areas on how to use basic internet applications, such as browsing the web.

"To keep up with other NGOs located in the capital, one of our client-NGOs located in Bagerhat is purchasing PCs in order to computerise their work," boasts Shameem Ahsan, CEO of eGeneration (Ltd.). He emphasises that through this process remote corners of the country, where computers are a rarity, are gradually tapping into the worldwide network of cybernetic knowledge.

The fifteen NGOs that are currently benefiting from eGeneration's services are located in Jessore, Gazipur, Bagerhat, Rajbari, Shariatpur, Magura, Chuadanga, Madaripur, Kishoreganj, Kusthia and Jhenaidah. Srizony, SETU, and PDIM are among the participating NGO's.

According to Ahsan, eGeneration is focusing on parts of the country with limited access to the latest trends of information technology. The company has plans to help bring radio-link towers to rural sites through governmental support.

The eGeneration team is hopeful about the diversified prospect of training villagers on net-browsing capability. It is expected that while the NGO employees provide villagers with such training sessions, at some later period, the villagers might educate themselves and spread the practice to surrounding localities. Once connections have been established in these rural areas, certain communities will become models for surrounding locations, encouraging awareness and bringing momentum to the rural communication technology project.

The second phase of the project involves informing villagers of internet services that provide information on micro-finance projects such as poultry, dairy, fisheries, and agricultural aspects. The internet can also help villagers acquire information on prevention and spreading of potential diseases.

In addition to internet training, eGeneration has developed and implemented a financial-management software for NGOs. The software, eMicrofinance, stores necessary information and reports for easy access and modification, creating a paperless environment.

"This is a user friendly software with solid security features," says Ahsan, adding that the implementation of such management software will enhance the efficiency, productivity and service capacity of micro-finance institutions by way of trimming down manpower requirements.

The company is offering necessary training on the software and providing technical support.

Shameem claims that micro-finance institutions have already been able to enhance competence and efficiency in their activities through the implementation of eMicrofinance.

Another software developed by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) for their partner organisations is also being implemented by eGeneration.

There is no doubt that eGeneration's project is what our country needs for rural IT based development. But such large-scale project cannot be implemented single-handedly. Support from government and private initiatives are necessary for the successful implementation of the project to make the global IT network accessible to remote parts of the country.