That some folks were reportedly disgruntled for missing out on the recently promised online scholarships at global universities, even after making it for Jamhuri Day celebrations, for lack of smart devices to sign up, speaks volumes about the thirst for knowledge on these streets. It is impressive that harkening to the call to sip from the fountain of knowledge and training had these individuals abandon the comfort of their abodes on a public holiday. Such days, for many, are the rare occasion for snoozing or putting their feet up and following proceedings on live television rather than go to the stadium. Small chance that sitting in the hot December sun to watch military drills and comedians' well-worn jokes before listening to yet another set of lofty politicians' promises, all this while keeping an eye out for pickpockets who love such crowds, might not be exactly their idea of spending down time.
Sharpening the iron
Yet these individuals did, perhaps driven by the rare incentive in the form of an opportunity to study virtually in an international university. Unfortunately, some of them did not eventually make it to plug in, just because they lacked an appropriate device.
This is an obviously huge demand for learning that should be acknowledged and assuaged, for the good of the country. Similar opportunities for training need to be created, not just for those in the capital but also the rest of the country. With the rising cost of higher education in the country, this may just be an alternative. It is only by continuously sharpening the iron that is our skills and knowledge in different fields that we can stay relevant and competitive in the marketplace in our globalised world. What better way than to make it easy for anyone interested to grab any opportunity at their disposal to learn and train!
Perhaps, all that needs to be done to enable as many as possible to take up such opportunities is to address the limitations that stand in the way of this noble pursuit. Like lack of an appropriate device or a connection to the internet or electricity.
When the news of the disgruntled online scholarship hopefuls broke, many of the privileged all-knowing cool kids hurled brickbats on social media, wondering how these folks who were not able to sign up had expected to eventually take up the opportunity without an appropriate device. Of course, while it might not have been spelt out by those who made the offer for scholarships, the obvious expectation might have been that those interested would have a way of plugging into the internet to connect to the whirl spring of knowledge, business opportunities and manifold opportunities that it brings.
Smartphone is a basic functional need
It is easy to take it for granted just how a smartphone has become a basic functional need in today's world that everyone must have to optimally operate. Of course, there are many who still do not have it, and ways need to be found to plug these unreached. This lack of the smart devices should not stop anyone from reaching out for more possibilities.
While it might be a challenge getting a smart device in every pair of hands, something can be done to deliver internet to all. It is probably one of the ways that we can help deliver the dream we once had of a prosperous nation with a high quality of life for all, leaving no one behind.
Perhaps it is time to resurrect the plans that were once had for every locality to have a public internet hub plugged to the internet to connect hamlets to the opportunities in there.
Thing is there are loads of free opportunities to study online, it just requires a means of tapping in. It does not even require, knowing a guy, or having to endure the national celebrations to access them. Just an internet connection.
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