Hundreds of applications have already been received by the Tunisian Solidarity Bank—a micro-credit institution extending government-backed loans to Tunisian citizens, wishing to buy a “family computer.”
The “family computer” program was launched by Tunisia’s President, Zine Al-Abidine Bin Ali, with the aim of helping in the education schoolchildren and improving access of the general population to the Internet.
According to the program guidelines, low-income families are eligible to receive a no more than five-percent interest loan for the purchase of a locally assembled computer, costing no more than a 1,000 dinar (about $750).
Five Tunisian computer companies have been running ad-campaigns for the low cost computers in the Tunisian press. — (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
