In Africa the digital divide remains vast, despite the growing numbers of computers in schools, businesses and homes; according to the International Telecommunication Union, only 5 percent of Africa`s estimated 800 million people accessed the internet in 2007, and desktops and laptops still require a basic degree of computer literacy, even in indigenous languages.

CHILDREN in Bahrain are to get 'driving lessons' - in cyber-space. They are to be taught how to navigate their way around the electronic world of computers and the Internet under a GCC-wide scheme. Children aged up to 12 in schools across the country are to be included in the free International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) digital literacy certification scheme. The scheme's governing body, the ICDL GCC Foundation, is offfering free ICDL certification to thousands of children across the region. The initiative, which started in September this year, aims to develop computer literacy at an early age, to prepare Arab youngsters to use information technology as a tool for education.

n the US, ethnicity is an issue; whites and Asians access the internet more than the African Americans and Hispanics. In Kenya, it is probably where you live that decides your destiny with technology, for even with education and good income, reliable internet services are available only in the major towns.

Overall, 59 per cent of Americans have access to the internet, seven per cent in Asia and only 1.4 per cent in Africa (Internet World State, 2005).