Honiara, Solomon Islands: Solomon Islands will be the first in the whole Asia Pacific Region to pilot test “The Bee” and launch the Digital Doorway. This new cutting edge information and communication technology (ICT) will contribute significantly to getting people connected by providing women, men, boys and girls in remote communities free access to information and build computer literacy through unassisted learning in emergency and programming settings.

Mr Seth Herr from the Division of Communications UNICEF New York is currently leading a team of local experts to conduct demonstrations to pilot test “The Bee” and launch the Digital Doorway this Thursday at the UNICEF Office, City Centre Building in Honiara.

“The ‘Bee,’” Herr says “works like a computer networking system that can provide free quick and easy access for information exchange, ensure business continuity, provide entertainment and give people, especially children a voice during emergencies.”  The ‘Bee’ can also support the learning environment of children in post-emergency response and expand the opportunities for access to information of communities.

The Digital Doorway, which is a very robust 3-terminal computer system built to withstand harsh conditions, acts as a “doorway” through which children and communities in rural and disadvantaged areas can freely access computer equipment and open source software that will help with the development of important life skills and enhance computer literacy through unassisted learning.

Mr Roy Bowen, Chief of Solomon Islands UNICEF Office says “these are great innovations that will enable children and leaders to better contribute to the development of their communities.” Bowen also said that based upon the success of the pilot tests and launch, the Bee and Digital Doorway may be available to interested partners in future emergency settings as well as for future programming purposes.

“The Bee” and Digital Doorway was developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Meraka Institute (managed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) in South Africa in partnership with UNICEF.