[kictanet] Civil Society Roles (activities, motives & challenges) Day 3 of 10

[Othieno, Louis]

Hi all
 
Every year the ICT programme at the U.S.Peace Corps receives and assigns about 8 American ICT professionals to work for up to 2 years on Voluntary basis with ICT ventures across Kenya. Their skills vary. Some are trained and experienced in hardware maintenance and networking, while others are programmers and experienced in setting up huge and complex databases. Some are involved in teaching basic ICT skills while others are computer graphics designers and web-developers and programmers -including establishment of e-commerce enabled websites for small businesses and co-operatives. A number have worked on programming in wireless environments -to take advantage of the wide cellphone coverage in Kenya
 
Computers for Schools - earlier mentioned, is one of the Peace Corps clients. Others are Land O Lakes -which is currently beta-testing a program known as co-op works created with assistance from FAO. Co-op works is an ICT platform that integrates all aspects of running a dairy co-operative, and with minor modifications will work for other kinds of co-operatives as well. Peace Corps Volunteers were involved in programming the software for drumnet - also earlier mentioned. Peace Corps Volunteers were assigned to support a pilot effort in Western Kenya to bring Internet Connectivity wirelessly to 20 schools within a 15 km radius using refurbished satellite equipment from Eastern Europe, and then deliver interactive education content through this means
 
The Peace Corps does not directly advance its own ICT agenda. Rather it supports efforts to make ICTs more relevant and impactful upon the lives of rural populations - especially low income segments of this population - whether the impact is long-term (as in education) or short term e.g. an e-commerce enabled website for Malindi Handicrafts co-operative society. Volunteers also share their ideas about opportunities to deploy ICT for the benefit of poor rural populations in the hope that some local institution might get interested and "sponsor" the prototyping and testing of the idea
 
Cheers all
 
Louis

________________________________

From: kictanet-bounces+lothieno=ke.peacecorps.gov at lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+lothieno=ke.peacecorps.gov at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Jose'
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:03 PM
To: Othieno, Louis
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: [kictanet] Civil Society Roles (activities,motives & challenges) Day 3 of 10


Greetings Walu and all, 
It happens that am in the workshop with Mr.Hare. 
Kimathi Information Centre based in Kamukunji constituency and its offices in Kimathi Estate;
 
ACTIVITIES
1)Uses computers as a tool in catalyzing Macro n Micro businesses to get skills on how to use office based programs.

 2)Offer trainings/workshops for Ideas,Macro & Micro enterprise on how to write business plans,letters and business etiquette.(August trainings registration open.We are in partnership with University of British Columbia).

 3)We provide convenience to the community inhabitants in offering Internet based services as its main sustainability model. 

CHALLENGES

1) Convincing the stakeholders to fund initiatives e.g,Workshops/Symposiums. 
2) Poor Internet connectivity.Unfortunately its our sustainability model.
3)Capacity building on training staff on changing trends in the ICT field.However its important to note that this issue is being addressed by stakeholders like Kictanet and ICTBOARD.
 Regards, 
José. 



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