The combined issues of infrastructure, health care, political instability, environmental care, and education have hampered the efforts for reducing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. This has resulted in a need for unique and effective solutions for delivery of these social services. Education is a key component in solving capacity problems and enhancing economic development. NetTel@Africa is a program involving a consortium of 20 African universities collaborating to provide an online learning platform in Information Communication Technology.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to share the stories of five men and women participants of University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania who participated in the NetTel program and who are involved in Tanzanian development. Extensive interviews were conducted by me during September through December 2007 in Tanzania. The participants' stories enhanced understanding of the needs of the local population, adding a human dimension to the statistical research available from other sources.

Three themes emerged from the participants' stories. The one speaks to how NetTel participants were empowered by their educational experiences and by the support they received from family, friends, and NetTel faculty and staff. Theme two specifies how graduates have applied their learning to their local communities in creative ways. Theme three identifies the importance of ICT education for economic development in Tanzania to reduce poverty, expand markets, and to develop policies for effective governance. The participants' experiences contribute a human element to the body of knowledge in education and economic development. Beyond the logistical aspects of accessible, appropriate, and effective delivery of education, the emergent findings showed the importance of human values for educators and those involved in economic development.