A workshop was held in Hanoi on May 15 to review the outcomes of the “Improving Computer Usage and Public Internet Access in Vietnam” project and discuss ways to maintain its sustainability.

The project, launched by the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is being carried out from 2011-2015 in 1,900 access points including cultural post offices and provincial and district libraries in 40 provinces across the country.

Since then, the project has enabled community members, including those in poor and remote areas, to improve their lives through the use of computers and Internet access.

It has also contributed to developing the Government’s national target programme on building new rural areas by establishing a commune-level library network.

However, the project is still facing difficulties and challenges, such as geographically disadvantaged locations, poor infrastructure and unqualified management staff.

At the workshop, the MIC and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation agreed to extend the project through June 2017.

Participants also suggested ways to maintain the sustainability of the project, including those to raise community awareness of the profit brought by the project and to ensure financial and infrastructure resources.-VNA