Project information

StatusFinalist
URLGo to website
CategoryEducation
Training and practice
CountryCameroon
Operational areasUrban, Rural
Target groupsChildren, Youth, Women, Men, Seniors
Fixed connectionCable
Wireless connectionSatellite
Access pointsSchool, Library, Cafe
InteractLandline Phone, Desktop Computer, Cellphone, Laptop
Software License TypesOpen Source, Proprietary

Project location

Random images Challenge 2008

Paul's Computer Institute

  • Brief description

  • Paul's Computers Institute (PCI) is a grade “A” Vocational training centre which offers professional training in IT; Data Processing, Accounting, Programming, Hardware/Software Maintenance, Repairs, Networking, and Internet Services, Bamenda, Cameroon founded by Paul C. Mickelson, Retired Firefighter from Beloit, Wisconsin, U.S. who came to Cameroon as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1992. PCI works with a network of friends who collect used computers and books from the US and ships them to Cameroon yearly. The books are distributed free to schools, libraries and the computers are used for training at the institute.

  • Vision, Objectives and Goals
  • Completing contruction of New Campus and and expansion of training to other fields of technology which might be beneficial to the developing world and help curb unemployment in the country whose rate is alarming, (36.5 unemployed and 68.8 underemployed). We train average of 400 students a year with possiblity of training more if we had bigger facilities. Our ultimate goal is to see that graduates are gainfully employed and can create employment by setting up businesses of thier own. Setting up a network for repairs and maintenance of computers will local schools, businesses, organisations and deploying prompt technical support. Creating a library and resource centre for IT that can serve the communty for research, seminars and refresher courses.
  • How does ICT contribute to the organisational objectives
  • PCI being a training centre itself our training has been enhanced with the use of data projectors, computers and the installation of a satellite dish for broadband internet. Registered students have free access to internet training and browsing. The institute lalso runs cybercafe with 24 computers open to the general public. Instructors have been able to be certified online through Microsoft, CompTIA A+, Brainbench & CISCO, with several master instructors certified in the process. During past seven years the project has distributed over 50 000 books to schools and libraries in the country. Graduates are employed in goverment, businesses and some have succeeded in setting up documentation services and small training centres around the country.
  • Transferability
  • Can be done by Individuals or small groups however governments can have an added advantage in setting up such a project. some graduates have started small training centres of thier own
  • Project summary
  • PCI is a vocational IT training center approved by the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training Cameroon. Board members are involved in collecting used computers, accessories, and books from the United States and shipping them each year to the Cameroons. The books are donated to local schools most of which barely functional libraries with outdated books. Every year PCI graduates about 400 students over the past 10 years and most of them are gainfully employed or are now pursuing higher education. Quality training is also priority to PCI, so each year Paul takes two staff to America to observe, learn, gain professional experience and be certified. So far seven staff have been involved in this program with more scheduled for the coming years. Construction is currently going on a 2.8 hectares piece of land donated by one of the board members. The First building cost $250 000 and so far the board of directors of friends of PCI have raise about $125 000 which has been directed towards the construction works. This new building is made up of 25 big classroom, 14 offices and a large multipurpose hall with training facilities in the areas of ICT that are lacking the community. PCI is officially approved as one of the 10 CISCO networking academies in the country. Trainers training is currently going on at the Regional academy at Yaounde University after the oue local academy in the October. PCI is also appointed as the official testing center by the Ministry of Employment and Vocational training for all vocational training exams organised by the government in the North West Province of Cameroon.