IEEE, the world's largest technical professional society, 125 years anniversary is in May 2009. Today, Zambia joined in with IEEE Sections across the globe and celebrates 125 years of innovation and ingenuity with a unique gathering of engineers at rural Macha.

Engineers from all over Zambia gathered with drive and focus for sustainable progress in rural areas. The meeting did encompass a tour of the community driven programs and projects at Macha, presentations on IEEE's Zambian Section followed by festivities at Ubuntu Campus. Dep. Minister of Communications and Transport, Hon. Mubika Mubika provided for a special statement to the engineers gathering at Macha, and the rural community welcomes Zambia's engineers with both hands, and traditional dances and singing.

Upon invitation by the Communications Authority of Zambia, partner of LinkNet in the role out of services in Zambia, LinkNet is honored to participate at the 10th Forum on Telecommunications/ICT Regulations and Partnerships in Africa (FTRA-2009), a three day conference held at the Mulungushi Conference Center in Lusaka, 20-22 May 2009. Fred Mweetwa, Chief Operations Officer leads the delegation from Macha. The conference discusses the Universal Service Fund of the International Telecommunications Union. The draft agenda for this conference is attached. Our participation also involves partici

Gregory Mweemba, Fred Mweetwa and Gertjan van Stam had the honor to introduce Information and Communications Technology during a presentation in the House of Chiefs in Lusaka today. The presentation is live on the Internet, and addresses issues pertaining the use of ICT in rural areas. The invitation to present on ICT in this respected and honored body shows the interest and commitment of Zambian Chiefs to address this important issue, which is one of the pre-requisits for wholesome progress and involvement of all stakeholders.

As part of its commitment to involve all stakeholders in rural communities, LinkNet initiated a Chief-to-Chief exchange in North Western Province of Zambia, 4-5 April. Participants were His Royal Highness Senior Chief Kasempa in Kasempa district, His Royal Highness Senior Chief Sikufela in Kabompo district, and His Royal Highness Chief Natshima in Zambezi district. Discussions centered on the holistic development of rural areas, in line with the Macha Works model. The visiting team started from Macha, with His Royal Highness Chief Chikanta, and Macha Works/ LinkNet's Fred Mweetwa, Daniel Mashata, and Elton Munguya. During the visits, the Chiefs mentioned their enthusiastic support for introducing Information Communication and Technology in their chiefdoms. They expect it to support improvement of the community livelihood in various sectors, like Preservation of African culture, support in education, retaining of experts, and efficiency gains in health in their chiefdoms. LinkNet initiates Chief-to-Chief exchange to support interchange of rural experiences and ideas, and that local communities are consulted, sensitized, and participate in Information Communication and Technologies for Progress (ICT4P).

Fred Mweetwa and Gregory Mweemba met Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Hon. Bradford Machila to explain on holistic development taking place in Macha. Subject was the introduction of internet at rural Macha, and how people's lives have greatly changed in various ways. Further subject was the Jatropha planting to solve energy problems in rural areas, and its potential for areas that have no access to the nation power grid.

Consider Mudenda kicked off well during the first day of solid lessons at LinkNet Information Technology Academy (LITA) today. A total of 28 students were enrolled in LITA Class A, 2009. Students will sit in training two hours a day for the next three months, aiming at International Computer Drivers License examination in 7 subjects. Lessons will are prepared and given by both LITA teachers, Consider Mudenda and Daniel Mashata.

Mr. Jackson Mwape of Churches Health Association of Zambia visits Macha to follow up on the collaborative work done in rolling out of holistic development and internet in rural areas of Zambia.

Hearing Macha Hospital's Manager Administration, Mr. Mabeta, and Minga Hospital's Sr. Esperansa made it clear again: "Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is instrumental in retaining health professionals in rural areas". To alleviate the human resource crisis in Zambia's health sector, and to fight especially the shortages of health workers at every service delivery level in rural areas, ICT can be instrumental. Of course, human resources is critical in the provision of quality health care. It is essential to ensures an adequate and equitable distribution of appropriately motivated, skilled and equitably distributed health workers providing quality services.

Today Chief Mumbi noted his wholehearted support to LinkNet, during a visit of Fred Mweetwa (Macha Works) and Elton Munguya (LinkNet) to the royal residence in Petauke District. Also Sr Esperanza, the Roman Catholic Fathers and other stakeholders at Minga Mission and Hospital showed keen interest in the role out of LinkNet. With Electricity coming to Minga in 2008, and now with the lookout of communications connectivity in 2009 Minga is progressing well.