The future of an internationally organised study into computer use in schools faces uncertainty after changes to Seychelles' regional commitments.

Questions have arisen about the completion of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) research project, which has studied schools in Seychelles, Namibia and Botswana, following notice by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles' withdrawal from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The ICT project, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of South Africa in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, has been organised and part financed by SADC, leading to doubts about its conclusion for Seychelles.

Three researchers from the HSRC were here from June 22 to 28 to asses current use of ICT, the degree to which it could be expanded through school curricula and the expected cost of such changes.

After completing similar research in Botswana and Namibia the team were expected to report back to SADC in an August meeting to be held in Zanzibar, before issuing their final report towards the end of 2003.

However, with annual SADC membership fees amounting to roughly US$500,000, cost cutting measures introduced under the MERP (Macro-economic Reform Programme) have lead to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs giving the organisation one year's notice of Seychelles' withdrawal, casting doubt on the completion of the report.

The director general for Information Technology, Mr Benjamin Choppy, said that enquiries into the project's future were being made, but added that as the ICT research formed a previously engaged commitment, he was confident that it would be completed.

Since the project was sub-contracted from SADC to HSRC Mr Choppy said that it may take a little time for the situation to become clear.

Mr Ronny Ah-Tive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed similar sentiments, but added that the one-year period of notice meant that for the next twelve months Seychelles remained bound to standing agreements.

"Whether the ICT project continues depends upon the reaction of the other member states, but since there are other countries involved I am hopeful that it will carry on," said Mr Ah-Tive.

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