Project information
| Status | Finalist |
| URL | Go to website |
| Category | Education Lifelong and informal learning |
| Country | Kenya |
| Operational areas | Urban |
| Target groups | Children, Youth, Women, Men |
| Fixed connection | IDSN, Cable |
| Wireless connection | WiFi, WiMax, Satellite, GSM , Wireless Internet connections |
| Access points | Library, Telecenter, Cafe |
| Interact | Landline Phone, Desktop Computer, Cellphone, Laptop |
| Software License Types | Open Source, Proprietary |
Project location
Random images Challenge 2008
ONLINE PUBLIC ACCESS TO LEARNING
- Brief description
- Online Public Access to Learning was started after the realization that many people in the slums lack information to enable them utilize resources that is available amongst and within their community. The project is like a one stop shop where various services pertaining to ICT can be accessed affordably by the beneficiaries. Among the services include a community library which is among the first one of its kind in the slums. The library uses KOHA cataloging software. In the initial stages of the project, it became quite evident that most young people dropped out of school due to lack of study materials like books and studying space that has denied easy access to relevant information on modern innovativeness, technology, reference books and other reading materials for both studying and leisure. The organization also wanted to demistify the perception of Technology (read computers) which was and should only be accessed by the haves or privileged in society.
- Vision, Objectives and Goals
- Vision: Empowered people from disadvantaged communities with easy access to information, resources and other opportunities that enables them to lead decent lives. Through our vision, we have been able to have wireless internet and community telecentre where youth, students and teachers are trained on basic computer skills and how to utilize internet for individual benefit and the community at large. Through the said vision, SIDAREC has also set up a community radio station known as, " 99.9 Ghetto FM", which is also managed by the youth themselves.
- How does ICT contribute to the organisational objectives
- One of the special impact that using ICT has made to achieving SIDAREC's over-all objectives is the online library system that the organization has managed to come up with. Books are catalogued using KOHA software, and acqusition of books are also done online. Students get to know what kind of books are available at the community library. We take pride of the fact that SIDAREC is the only youth organization to operate a system that even the best universities in Kenya don't have; a library that is digitalized.
- Transferability
SIDAREC's main motivating factor has always been thinking big, starting small and doing it now. More importantly, in oder to overcome some of the project implemantation hurdles, an organization needs to partner with an Information Service Provider (ISP) or have impeccable experince in ICT issues. The other partnership that an organization can't do without is the relevant government departments since the government is the one that give the necessary lincenses as well as formulating the required policies that govern a sector. So in order to be able to influence any policy or lobby a legislation, the partnership with the government is very crucial.
In addition, since the activities of this nature are not purely commercial, the support and financing of the donors and private sector can never be over emphasized.
- Project summary
- ICT has: - Enabled SIDAREC to get various invitations to showcase their activities both locally and internationally. - Enabled several youth managers to get sponsorship and fellowship to renowned universities and institutions to peruse courses relevant to the social development field. - Provided a platform to fund raise for organizations activities. - Created a networking opportunity for the organization.
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