DevNet, the Soceity for Empowerment and Wholistic Advancement (SEWA) and BrainStreet Technologies have collaborated for the design, development and implementation of a project which will expand on the creation of a low cost technical platform for a community access point, and the development of three e-learning based specific objectives
ICT Focus Areas:
Access / Connectivity
Capacity Building
eLearning, ICT in Education
ICT Infrastructure
Background:
DevNet, a non governmental organization specializing in the use and application of information technology for national development, the Soceity for Empowerment and Wholistic Advancement (SEWA) and BrainStreet Technologies, a educational content development company and the creator of the online learning platform http://www.BrainStreet.net have collaborated for the design, development and implementation of a project which will expand on the creation of a low cost technical platform for a community access point, and the development of three e-learning based Specific objectives include :-
- Develop a second low cost community access point using the technology available - Linux Terminal Server and refurbished/used computers (see attached case study)
- Enable the use of computer assisted learning to support education
- Develop educational material on the BrainStreet e-learning platform (www.BrainStreet.net) available to the selected communities in courses for digital skills literacy (multi mode), small business management (e-learning), and e-business/mbusiness development (e-learning)
- Deliver the content to 20 persons from two rural communities as part of this project, and then expand to other areas
- Create at least two business opportunities as a result of the course
Keywords:
BrainStreet
DevNet
education
e-business
SEWA
Design of Project:
This project was designed using the experience of SEWA in the community development. DevNet and Brainstreet will provide the technical expertise. The first pilot for the implementation of the community access point provides the suitable experience. In terms of technology free and open source software is used which reduces the cost of software for installation. The use of old and refurbished hardware reduces the cost of hardware needed to establish.
Project Importance:
Guyana's population is characterised by pockets of poverty, and unemployment and underemployment. Innovations in community development are needed to improve the social and economic well - being of citizens. This project is the first of its kind in Guyana and has the potential to provide other organisations and the Government with experiences for other similar activities in other areas of Guyana.
Anticipated Outcomes:
The risk associated with the project is the delay in partners delivery, especially if there will be donations of products and services to provide contribution costs. There are no other major risks.
Risk Assessment:
Guyana's ICT4D strategy (http://www.ict4d.gov.gy) has a strategic action to increase the amount of learning opportunities through distance learning and e-learning mechanisms. One training institution – the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College (http://www.kurukururu.edu.gy) is embarking on a pilot project to offer some of its courses online, looking at opportunities for a wider market within the Caribbean as well. They intend to share the lessons from the pilot with the Guyana Chapter of the Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions. Guyana's ICT4D strategy is also committed to increasing local connectivity, and to reducing the costs of connectivity.
Alignment with National Strategies:
Guyana's ICT4D strategy (http://www.ict4d.gov.gy) has a strategic action to increase the amount of learning opportunities through distance learning and e-learning mechanisms. One training institution – the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College (http://www.kurukururu.edu.gy) is embarking on a pilot project to offer some of its courses online, looking at opportunities for a wider market within the Caribbean as well. They intend to share the lessons from the pilot with the Guyana Chapter of the Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions. Guyana's ICT4D strategy is also committed to increasing local connectivity, and to reducing the costs of connectivity.
Long-term Sustainability:
The sustainability of the community access points relies on the availability of funds to cover overhead costs. It is intended that community members will contribute towards the cost by paying for use of the centre, and also for use of value added services such as help with word processing, information searching and other related activities.
References:
info@devnet.org.gy
Commonwealth Secretariat
place description here
