originally posted at https://devpost.com/software/computerwala - This was a social enterprise branding i designed at the first pakathon hackathon for pakistan in cambridge Massachusetts USA in 2013 while i was taking graduate courses at the MIT Media Lab.
Bridging the Great Digital Divide in Pakistan Executive Summary A vast majority of the 180 million people in Pakistan are poor, rural, and uneducated. Further, they are unaware of the massive digital advancements in information technology. This digital divide is widening to the detriment of the masses. Our solution to bridge this gap is unique and empowering. Computer Wala is a kiosk, which serves the underserved rural community and is strategically placed in high traffic areas. It is a franchise model whose early adopters include educated young adults who cannot find jobs and are interested in entrepreneurship. Services are varied and affordable and include assistance with downloading government forms, language translation, and document processing services, such as faxing, scanning, and printing. Computer Wala is an operator managed facility that will have a trained and educated person who will not only provide the services, he/she will also go around the community to raise awareness of what his/her kiosk offers. This model is culturally and relevantly suitable for the target population’s needs. Computer Wala can be in a stand-alone structure, like a Kiosk, or in a shared space in the market, depending upon the interest and resources of the operator. High traffic points such as near district offices, post offices, and bus stations will be considered.
Start-up costs are affordable and reaching break-up is expected in a relatively short period of time. Also, the franchise structure will allow for brand recognition, owner support, and standardization. Co-branding and partnerships with local partners can also help make Computer Wala a lucrative venture. Further, Computer Wala’s ultimate goal will be to spread the concept in all rural and semi-urban areas. Once the network of Computer Wala reaches a significant mass, the Government and private sector will also begin to take notice and start adding services to the population, such as rebates and coupons, targeted advertisements and so on, all of which could be easily accessed by visiting their nearest Computer Wala.
Start-up costs are affordable and reaching break-up is expected in a relatively short period of time. Also, the franchise structure will allow for brand recognition, owner support, and standardization. Co-branding and partnerships with local partners can also help make Computer Wala a lucrative venture. Further, Computer Wala’s ultimate goal will be to spread the concept in all rural and semi-urban areas. Once the network of Computer Wala reaches a significant mass, the Government and private sector will also begin to take notice and start adding services to the population, such as rebates and coupons, targeted advertisements and so on, all of which could be easily accessed by visiting their nearest Computer Wala.
