NetHope, a US based global information technology alliance of 25 of the world's largest aid agencies, in partnership with the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), the African eDevelopment Resource Centre (AeRC), and iDirect, have announced an advanced VSAT installation and maintenance training program launch this week in Nairobi. The training was delivered through a new regional capacity-building facility that was established to enable the African communications community to more fully realize the objectives of 'Connect Africa', an initiative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that aims to greatly expand connectivity throughout the continent. Attending the first workshop were staff from five NetHope aid organizations, representing five countries including Kenya, Sudan, Benin, Eritrea and Tanzania. The course is part of three levels of increasing complexity and culminates in Level 3 GVF VSAT hands on training, skills testing and certification. In support of the NetHope program — and as part of its commitment to the ITU 'Connect Africa' initiative — GVF matched each paid registration with delivery of an additional complimentary seat in the training course. Likewise, iDirect donated 3 complete VSAT systems and installation tool kits to NetHope to enable sustainable training. NetHope aid organizations plan to install hundreds of new VSAT sites in the next 18 months. VSAT solutions are also especially critical to deploying relief in the wake of disasters. Donations for tuition and VSAT tools kits are needed to scale local workforce development.

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