[UgaBYTES] Telecentre sustainability

[Meddie Mayanja]

Felician is right:
 
In my view, his example illustrates a number of issues but I will
highlight/build on the following: that a telecentre should be mindful of the
needs and realities of the community it serves; monitors any opportunities
where its expertise and resources could make a difference and provide
leadership whenever possible. You have also showed that in some cases this
role - of a community leader on issues - could actually bring some resources
in the telecentres. 
 
Its another way to implement the social entreprenuership approach.
 
We can not expect the community to determine that a telecentre needs
resources (read cash) when there is nothing of value (by way of community
developmety) that comes out of the telecentre. The same applies to the donor
community or the local businesses and corporates. If you a telecentre is
known for its leadership and service on an issues, it will not find it
difficult to mobilise partners. 
 
I have immensely enjoyed this discussion.
 
Best, Meddie

Meddie Mayanja
Senior Program Officer
telecentre.org, IDRC Canada
tel:  (613) 236-6163, ext 2604



 

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From: ugabytes-bounces at lists.ugabytes.org
[mailto:ugabytes-bounces at lists.ugabytes.org] On Behalf Of FELICIAN NCHEYE
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 10:34 AM
To: ugabytes at lists.ugabytes.org
Subject: [UgaBYTES] Telecentre sustainability


Dear All,
 
Congratulations for a valuable on-line discussion and contributions on the
sustainability element for our telecentres. It is true we have been able to
share what could contribute in achieving this important factor in the
telecentre movement.
 
However I would like to unnderscorem, The importance of understanding the
dynamics on community development and appropriate planning during entry
point into community, as Liyanange puts it.
 
Telecentres will be sustainable only if they abide to the
principles/foundations of success during initiation and implementation, most
of which have been discussed. Implementation of Telecentre activities should
not be for the sake of the ICTs, but focused on the understanding of the
value-added from service delivery to the community in question.True from
Liyanange' s conclusion that, ICT is only useful if it becomes ICT4D.
 
One fact thing is that if you meet the dyanamics of any society, you will be
assured of the appreciation from the very society. Experience shows that,
appreciation from the society avails one with, resources, opportunities and
successes, which are the springboard to sustainability.
 
Let me share with you Sengerema Telecentre experience, In the course of
understanding dynamics on community development, we realised that the
surrounding environment of offices of the Sengerema District Council were
not apealing any more to most of the Leadership, staff and the community. So
in the light providing infrormation to the community through the 'power of
sight' as a new dynamic, we developed a proposal to rehabilitate the vey
environment. The proposal was granted to a tune Tshs.of 12.2 about $ 9,494.
Rightnow the work is three quarters ready and we hav obtained a good amount
of cash for out activites, most importantly, the Sengerema District Council,
Leadership , staff and the comminity at large are very happy with the
presence of the Telecentre, more so, a big amount of  ICT related services
by the distrit Council have been entrusted to Telecentre, hence, good source
of finance as well as future plans for the satellite offices of the district
council, like Township streets, Ward and village offices etc. From this
situaton we are optmistic for assured sustainability of our telecentre.This
is attributed by appreciation.-very important.
 
The entry point of a responsive management telecentre has a multiplier
effect. Sense of ownership characterised by the management of the centre
plays an important role for sustainability. Communities tend to be proud of
an instution they can easily access and contribute without impendiments
 
Let us make more efforts in encouraging and identifying new dynamics for our
telecentre activities so that we are more for ICT4D using properly planned
entry points.
 
Felician Ncheye
Sengerema Telecentre
 



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