PROYECTO TELELAC II

Digital Inclusion: Networking Telecentres in LAC
(TELELAC II)

Executive Summary

This proposal builds on the work done by the TELELAC project in 1999 - 2001, initiated with IDRC funding. This initiative will expand, strengthen, and consolidate digital inclusion initiatives, with a specific focus on telecentre activities in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

A key lesson learned from the first phase of the TELELAC project is that in the process of digital inclusion, one cannot work with telecentres or telecentre networks individually. If telecentres are to make their mission more effective they need to organize themselves in overlapping national, regional and international networks.

Another lesson is that sustainability must be addressed as much more than financial sustainability. Community-based telecentres are vitally linked to the socio-political, cultural and economic resources of their communities. Planning the sustainability of their work in the community must provide for the growth of these links for them to maintain their relevance and legitimacy - otherwise, a telecentre may have financial resources but its relationship to the community might not provide conditions for its continuity or effectiveness. This is done by cutlivating and strengthening the linkages with existing community development activities, as well as with private sector organizations and governments at the local and national levels.

This project will strengthen the digital inclusion initiatives in LAC through the consolidation of a regional network and support system for telecentres, buildiong on the following specific objectives:

1. To set up cooperative mechanismo for research, learning and experimentation, and the dissemination of best practices and results.
2. To provide capacity-building opportunities for telecentre practitioners in LAC as a way to enhance their performance, relevance and sustainability.
3. To strengthen the regional network and its capacity to partner and influence private and public sectors in the region.

Digital Inclusion: Networking Telecentres in LAC
(TELELAC II)