skilled capacity to support the ICT industry in terms of developing, selling or supporting hardware and software. 2.2 Learning 2.2.1 Educational access to ICT Currently very few educational institutions have computer laboratories and other multimedia facilities. These facilities are more in private schools than in public schools. Even fewer of these facilities are linked to the Internet. At universities and other institutions of higher learning, few computers are available for use by students and academic staff. However, they are not enough to meet the demand. Internet access bandwidth at these institutions is limited ranging from 32 kbps – 512 kbps. Though numerous, cyber cafes do not currently offer a conducive environment or pricing structure to make them viable as e-learning centres. 2.2.2 Enhancing education using ICT There is an official Secondary School Computer Studies Syllabus for Forms I – IV developed in 1996 and issued in 1997. It is out of date with respect to the evolution of technology since the early 90`s. However, only a few students have taken these courses so far. The lack of a programme for training teachers on computers and other multi-media utilization has been identified as a major reason for slow take up of computer studies in primary and secondary schools. In this respect, private schools are far better than public schools. Generally, the use of ICT enhances effective delivery of education. Currently, this benefit is only evident in some schools and colleges in urban areas. 2.2.3 Developing the ICT workforce In general, there is a shortage of well-qualified professionals of ICT in Tanzania. There is also no well-established ICT professional profiles, and a standardised process of evaluation or certification of the different courses offered by various training centres is lacking. Access to Online and distance learning for ICT is also still limited. Furthermore, opportunities for training are mostly limited to few urban centres. 2.3 Society 2.3.1 ICT in Everyday Life Many ICT users in Tanzania access the Internet through Internet Cafés. There is therefore a need to reduce barriers in deploying ICT and in developing the required human capital for sustainable participation of Tanzanian Society in the ICT industry. On the other hand, there is already a significant improvement in the penetration of fixed and mobile telephone lines and public pay-phones in urban centres. However, the available e-readiness evidence shows that there is a need to increase the availability of ICT as a result of the high current demand and burgeoning awareness. 2.3.2 Locally relevant content While there are many Tanzanian websites, most of these are in English and are not updated regularly. Many appear to be merely an advertising presence on the Web. There are a number of vibrant websites with the majority publishing local news on the Web, while others demonstrate some convergence by giving access to local radio programmes Page 4