THE PROJECT   "We are exploring risks and opportunities using information and communication technologies for social development. Exploring these issues with street kids in Latin America is a major challenge; it challenges the way we think about street kids (how can street kids be empowered through the use of computers and the internet) and about the social implications of communication technologies (how can communication technologies be used by some of the most marginalized people in society). With this project we will have a better understanding of the opportunities and risks brought about by new communication technologies to help street kids get off the street and lead a meaningful life as full members of society." Ricardo Gomez, Senior Program Specialist   The Street Children´s Project is using the Internet to create links between street children. These children have been forced to adopt the street life as a way to survive. They share common struggles, including those related to prostitution, theft, drug consumption, and the daily battle to stay alive in the midst of crime and brutalities of every kind. The difficulties they face pose a threat to their lives and threaten the future of society as a whole. The Street Children Telecentre project in Ecuador and Colombia is exploring ways the Internet can be used to exchange knowledge and experiences in order to help street children solve their problems and create opportunities for a better life. The project has established a street children portal and an initial network. The aim is to expand to expand this network throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. New Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can provide alternatives to improve the quality of life for children and youth at risk and living in poverty. IDRC (Canadá), ChasquiNet (Ecuador) and Proyecto Salesiano Chicos de la Calle (Ecuador), along with NGOs from Colombia and Brazil, are working together on three pilot projects. The primary goal of these projects is to provide computer skills and Internet tools to street children, who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity. Street Children´s Telecentre Projects in Ecuador and Colombia are designed to tap into the inner world of street life by offering Internet use as a new vehicle of communication. The idea is to introduce street children to alternative skills and lifestyles, and support them in finding ways to solve their problems and create opportunities. The telecentres offer kids access to well-structured learning and guidance, to provide a minimum of education and training. This program can open doors not only to information, skills, and jobs, but more importantly provides these kids with a measure of self-confidence and a better opportunity to survive on the street. In addition, a sense of community is created as street kids share their experiences with others in similar circumstances. Canadian funding and support IDRC and DFAIT from Canada will support the Street Children´s Project in Ecuador and Colombia. The goal from an organizational standpoint is to enhance actions by establishing close relations and cooperation between local partners, the Salesian community, Fundación ChasquiNet and CEFODI in Ecuador, and Renacer in Colombia. IDRC will facilitate networking between these groups by promoting the sharing of valuable information and experiences across different cultural and geographic barriers. No single model will fit for every particular case, but cross evaluation of different scenarios and local actors will enrich the discussion about the potential benefits and adverse effects of ICTs for social organization and the economic development of marginalized groups in Latin America. Activities The Project will set up Internet access sites and training programs in collaboration with local organizations working with street children in each of the countries, and possibly, in association with Frontier College. Contacts have been made with the organizations indicated, but a final decision will be made after a more complete institutional assessment and investigation of interest in participation is conducted. With each organization, the idea is that by providing a welcoming space and appropriate training opportunities street children can gain access to sources of information and entertainment, focusing particularly on education and employment opportunities, and help with alcohol and drug abuse problems. Activities include: improving existing infrastructure for Internet access and use providing training programs for selected youth, who can then act as trainers for their peers documenting the experience and sharing lessons learned with other partners in the country or region. IDRC will use its network of partners and researchers to ensure cross fertilization and mutual learning in relation to other relevant projects and activities underway in the region. Expected results As a result of this combined set of projects, we will produce: Three separate articles (suitable for media dissemination) documenting the experiences, and one paper consisting of a comparative analysis of the experiences One short video clip documenting at least one of the experiences A concept paper for a larger second phase project, based on the results of this initial exploration.