|
About the workshop From Grassroots to Cyberspace Seeking ways forward The diverse and inspiring range of Acacia's ICT projects came under the spotlight at a workshop forming part of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held at the Development Bank of South Africa, Midrand, on Thursday 29 August. About 50 development researchers and observers met for a group discussion on key questions facing them as they work with communities to broaden the reach of the Internet into neglected regions of Southern African. Acacia's four key theme areas formed the basis for networking groups to meet and brainstorm ideas. See the sessions outline and the workshop page links at right. Much of the discussion dealt with the need for national policy frameworks to turn pilot projects into broad roll-outs throughout the region. The workshop aimed to identify what Acacia, its participants and partners, have learned so far about ICTs and poverty alleviation. This forms part of Acacia Phase II, the focused review of problems and progress on the ground. Some participants supplied detailed reports and photos of their projects which are also on display in these pages. The website was developed as a workshop demonstration and not as a complete overview of Acacia and its activities. It emerged that participants do want have a presence on the Acacia site, and in due course the website may be developed with this objective in view. In the meantime, workshop reports and further feedback show how members of Acacia are coping with the demand for electronic enablement in South Africa and Mozambique, how successful the projects are, and the nature of any setbacks they have suffered. The day could well prove to be one of the most noteworthy contributions to the World Summit on Sustainable Development. |
|
Send mail to
mediaman@worldonline.co.za with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
