The Nielsen Company has announced a survey that reveals four in 10 netizens in Singapore - who claim they do not own a smartphone - said they are likely to buy a smartphone in 2011.
Almost half of the netizens surveyed in Singapore already own a smartphone, with those in the age group of 35 to 39, forming the largest majority. The percentage of smartphone ownership has risen by 8 per cent over 2010, the survey showed.
While male and female netizens are equally likely to purchase a smartphone, consumers aged between 45 to 49 and those under 20, have been found most likely to own a smartphone in future.
Though Nokia is most commonly used in countries like Indonesia and Philippines, Apple's OS is a preferred choice for netizens in Singapore - leading with 68 per cent of users among those surveyed. One in three online consumers in Singapore said they have downloaded an app in the past 30 days.
Although short messaging services (SMS) still remains a popular activity on a mobile phone, mobile internet usage can be anticipated to grow in 2011 as 59 per cent of consumers plan to access the mobile Internet in the next 12 months.
These findings were presented by The Nielsen Company, a global information and measurement company with a presence in about 100 countires and has its headquarters in New York, USA.
Reference: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_672057.html
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Singapore to stress on technology in new education masterplan - Future Gov - 14 April 2011
According to Singapore’s Educational Technology Division (ETD) in the Ministry of Education (MOE), the digital divide related to technology access is fading. What the nation faces now is a digital divide about students with ICT skill sets, and those without, said Tham Yoke Chun, Deputy Director of the Professional Development & Consultancy, ETD.
Hence, the ETD is now on its third education masterplan, looking to strengthen and scale education technology use in schools and to develop a new curriculum—a Curriculum 2015 Vision (C2015) meant to build 21st century competencies in students.
Tham explained at today’s 3D Learning Symposium, “If we want to make sure technology use is sound, the starting point must always be sound pedagogy and curriculum”.
“Technology in itself cannot transform learning,” Tham said.
In which case the C2015 hopes to create students who are:
Anchored in strong moral values;
Possess social and emotional competencies;
Have ICT skills, civic literacy, cross cultural skills and critical and inventive thinking.
The department is also looking to introduce “new modes of pedagogy using social media to enable participation, negotiation of meaning, dialogue, and co-construction of knowledge”.
The MOE’s first masterplan started in 1997 to build a strong ICT foundation in Singapore’s schools; and the second one in 2003 birthed FutureSchools in a bid to seed innovation. The current masterplan started in 2009 with a vision of “harnessing technology to transform learners”.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/apr/14/building-21st-century-competencies-students/
Hence, the ETD is now on its third education masterplan, looking to strengthen and scale education technology use in schools and to develop a new curriculum—a Curriculum 2015 Vision (C2015) meant to build 21st century competencies in students.
Tham explained at today’s 3D Learning Symposium, “If we want to make sure technology use is sound, the starting point must always be sound pedagogy and curriculum”.
“Technology in itself cannot transform learning,” Tham said.
In which case the C2015 hopes to create students who are:
Anchored in strong moral values;
Possess social and emotional competencies;
Have ICT skills, civic literacy, cross cultural skills and critical and inventive thinking.
The department is also looking to introduce “new modes of pedagogy using social media to enable participation, negotiation of meaning, dialogue, and co-construction of knowledge”.
The MOE’s first masterplan started in 1997 to build a strong ICT foundation in Singapore’s schools; and the second one in 2003 birthed FutureSchools in a bid to seed innovation. The current masterplan started in 2009 with a vision of “harnessing technology to transform learners”.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/apr/14/building-21st-century-competencies-students/
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Korea relaunches government networking website in English - Future Gov | 1 April 2011
Seoul Metropolitan Government launched the English version of we-gov.org for social networking of the World e-Governments Organisation of Cities and Local Governments (WeGO).
The website is designed to enable cities to share and exchange exemplary cases of e-governments and to communicate with citizens who have an interest in building e-governments.
WeGO is an international organization that was established under Seoul City’s initiative - the first such initiative among Korea’s autonomous governments - with the goal of sharing exemplary cases of e-governments between international cities and closing the information gap.
The newly launched WeGo English website is a social networking homepage designed to expedite communication with the leaders of e-governments in cities worldwide. Cities and organisations worldwide can benchmark the latest information and contents in the e-government field at a single location through the WeGO website. They can upload and share diverse information and contents in real time and exchange opinions through social media services (Twitter, etc).
By overcoming a management method focused on site manager, the WeGo website has been created as social network homepage based on blogs, and can be accessed through diverse browsers, and smart mobile devices. As such, it will serve as a venue of information sharing based on the smart concept, where people can communicate in real time through social media services.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/apr/01/korea-relaunches-government-networking-website-eng/
More info: Visit WeGO website at http://www.we-gov.org/
The website is designed to enable cities to share and exchange exemplary cases of e-governments and to communicate with citizens who have an interest in building e-governments.
WeGO is an international organization that was established under Seoul City’s initiative - the first such initiative among Korea’s autonomous governments - with the goal of sharing exemplary cases of e-governments between international cities and closing the information gap.
The newly launched WeGo English website is a social networking homepage designed to expedite communication with the leaders of e-governments in cities worldwide. Cities and organisations worldwide can benchmark the latest information and contents in the e-government field at a single location through the WeGO website. They can upload and share diverse information and contents in real time and exchange opinions through social media services (Twitter, etc).
By overcoming a management method focused on site manager, the WeGo website has been created as social network homepage based on blogs, and can be accessed through diverse browsers, and smart mobile devices. As such, it will serve as a venue of information sharing based on the smart concept, where people can communicate in real time through social media services.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/apr/01/korea-relaunches-government-networking-website-eng/
More info: Visit WeGO website at http://www.we-gov.org/
Portal to connect people in Commonwealth countries to be launched - Future Gov | 9 May 2011
The Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 countries across six continents, will launch a portal which allows individuals, organizations and governments to share information network and collaborate online.
The Commonwealth Secretariat, the main intergovernmental organisation which executes plans agreed by Commonwealth Heads of Government announced the creation of the portal called Commonwealth Connect developed by OpenText company.
Kamalesh Sharma , Commonwealth Secretary General said the web initiative aims to foster better cooperation and communication across the entire Commonweath community.
“Commonwealth countries are diverse, home to two billion people and span six continents, so the use of modern Web technologies to connect people and strengthen cooperation across the entire community is vitally important,” he said.
“Commonwealth countries are diverse, home to two billion people and span six continents, so the use of modern Web technologies to connect people and strengthen cooperation across the entire community is vitally important,” he said.
He also said the web platform will build a stronger Commonwealth in the 21st century and sustain its work far into the future.
Commonwealth Connects will be introduced gradually in each country through national strategies for ICT adoption and use, strategies that OpenText and the Commonwealth Secretariat have also agreed to support jointly.
The portal is expected to launch take place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia, in October 2011.
Commonwealth member states include Australia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore and Sri Lanka, among others.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/may/09/online-platform-connect-two-billion-people/
The Commonwealth Secretariat, the main intergovernmental organisation which executes plans agreed by Commonwealth Heads of Government announced the creation of the portal called Commonwealth Connect developed by OpenText company.
Kamalesh Sharma , Commonwealth Secretary General said the web initiative aims to foster better cooperation and communication across the entire Commonweath community.
“Commonwealth countries are diverse, home to two billion people and span six continents, so the use of modern Web technologies to connect people and strengthen cooperation across the entire community is vitally important,” he said.
“Commonwealth countries are diverse, home to two billion people and span six continents, so the use of modern Web technologies to connect people and strengthen cooperation across the entire community is vitally important,” he said.
He also said the web platform will build a stronger Commonwealth in the 21st century and sustain its work far into the future.
Commonwealth Connects will be introduced gradually in each country through national strategies for ICT adoption and use, strategies that OpenText and the Commonwealth Secretariat have also agreed to support jointly.
The portal is expected to launch take place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia, in October 2011.
Commonwealth member states include Australia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore and Sri Lanka, among others.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/may/09/online-platform-connect-two-billion-people/
Accessible digital content for the disabled - Future Gov | 22 March 2011
While we exploit technology and work on interoperability to share digital contents over multiple platforms, what we don’t realise is that we might inadvertently leave behind a group of individuals who may have difficulty accessing these digital content, said Chia Woon Yee, Director of Technology & Vocational Training at the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD).
While countries aim for a knowledge workforce and government moves digital, individuals with visual impairment, physical disabilities, hearing impairment and learning disabilities may have been neglected. These people may not be able to interact with digital contents unless the contents are made accessible, explained Chia to FutureGov Asia Pacific.
“As more and more information is transferred electronically, making digital content accessible becomes a social responsibility, especially if the content is meant for the public,” she said.
Hence, SPD has made a formal advocacy appeal to the Government to reinstate a direction on accessible ICT and web accessibility in the Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) Masterplan, and to take the lead by making all government and e-government portals conform the international standards of web accessibility by 2015.
Making digital content accessible is neither a difficult nor expensive task. “Most common software applications like Adobe PDF maker and Microsoft Office have built-in tools for making documents accessible,” said Chia.
While providing accessibility benefits people with disabilities who are deemed a minority group, Chia said that it should not be forgotten that these same accessible features are also useful for non-disabled people—such as older persons who are slower, people with low literacy, people who have low Internet bandwidth, and individuals accessing content through mobile devices.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outlines the following four basic principles in making websites accessible:
Perceivable— Information and user interface components must be presentable to users such that they can perceive the presented information, i.e. it can’t be invisible to all their senses
Operable— Users must be able to operate interface components and navigate. The interface cannot require interaction that a user cannot perform
Understandable— Users must be able to understand the information as well as the operation of the user interface
Robust— Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. Users must be able to access the content even as technologies advance
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/mar/22/accessible-digital-content-disabled/
While countries aim for a knowledge workforce and government moves digital, individuals with visual impairment, physical disabilities, hearing impairment and learning disabilities may have been neglected. These people may not be able to interact with digital contents unless the contents are made accessible, explained Chia to FutureGov Asia Pacific.
“As more and more information is transferred electronically, making digital content accessible becomes a social responsibility, especially if the content is meant for the public,” she said.
Hence, SPD has made a formal advocacy appeal to the Government to reinstate a direction on accessible ICT and web accessibility in the Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) Masterplan, and to take the lead by making all government and e-government portals conform the international standards of web accessibility by 2015.
Making digital content accessible is neither a difficult nor expensive task. “Most common software applications like Adobe PDF maker and Microsoft Office have built-in tools for making documents accessible,” said Chia.
While providing accessibility benefits people with disabilities who are deemed a minority group, Chia said that it should not be forgotten that these same accessible features are also useful for non-disabled people—such as older persons who are slower, people with low literacy, people who have low Internet bandwidth, and individuals accessing content through mobile devices.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outlines the following four basic principles in making websites accessible:
Perceivable— Information and user interface components must be presentable to users such that they can perceive the presented information, i.e. it can’t be invisible to all their senses
Operable— Users must be able to operate interface components and navigate. The interface cannot require interaction that a user cannot perform
Understandable— Users must be able to understand the information as well as the operation of the user interface
Robust— Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. Users must be able to access the content even as technologies advance
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/mar/22/accessible-digital-content-disabled/
Taiwan creates digital opportunities - Future Gov | 11 May 2011
The government’s efforts on providing internet access across the country over the years make the digital divide no longer a big challenge thus paving the way for the government to create more digital opportunities, Sung Yu-hsieh, Deputy Minister of Research, Development and Evaluation Commission (RDEC) told FutureGov Asia Pacific Magazine.
To promote internet usage in the country, RDEC has deployed 535 laptops to 16 public libraries and elementary schools around Taiwan including Chiayi, Nantou, Pintung, Yilan and Yunlin counties.
“It does not mean that people cannot afford computers,” says Sung.
“But the goal is that if your computer is broken or you are somewhere without bringing your computer, you can always go to the nearest library to borrow a laptop for your current information needs, ” he added.
The key objective is to make the people continuously connected to the government through the internet, he stressed.
The laptops that has been delivered carried 35 government-published e-books that could access National Taichung Library’s more than 10,000 catalogues. RDEC statistics reveal that 7,132 individuals used the service for an average rate of 89 per cent.
“Increased access to the Internet in these areas is raising the profile of e-government services and improving local residents’ computer skills,” said RDEC Minister Chu Chin-peng.
Chu said the initiative is also playing a vital role in reviving and improving the value of public libraries through dramatically increased visit numbers.
“The commission will continue working with other agencies to bridge the digital divide,” said Chu. Echoing the minister’s remarks, Chiayi County Magistrate Chang Hwa-kuan said a broad spectrum of residents, from school children to the elderly, are now seizing the opportunity to go online and experience the internet.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/may/11/taiwan-creates-more-digital-opportunities/
To promote internet usage in the country, RDEC has deployed 535 laptops to 16 public libraries and elementary schools around Taiwan including Chiayi, Nantou, Pintung, Yilan and Yunlin counties.
“It does not mean that people cannot afford computers,” says Sung.
“But the goal is that if your computer is broken or you are somewhere without bringing your computer, you can always go to the nearest library to borrow a laptop for your current information needs, ” he added.
The key objective is to make the people continuously connected to the government through the internet, he stressed.
The laptops that has been delivered carried 35 government-published e-books that could access National Taichung Library’s more than 10,000 catalogues. RDEC statistics reveal that 7,132 individuals used the service for an average rate of 89 per cent.
“Increased access to the Internet in these areas is raising the profile of e-government services and improving local residents’ computer skills,” said RDEC Minister Chu Chin-peng.
Chu said the initiative is also playing a vital role in reviving and improving the value of public libraries through dramatically increased visit numbers.
“The commission will continue working with other agencies to bridge the digital divide,” said Chu. Echoing the minister’s remarks, Chiayi County Magistrate Chang Hwa-kuan said a broad spectrum of residents, from school children to the elderly, are now seizing the opportunity to go online and experience the internet.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/may/11/taiwan-creates-more-digital-opportunities/
UAE aims for 100 per cent broadband connectivity by 2012 - Future Gov | 19 May 2011
By Pia Rufino
The United Arab Emirates is striving to be the first country in the world to have 100 per cent broadband penetration by 2012, Minister of Economy Sultan Al Mansoori has said.
An ambitious fibre-to-home technology currently being implemented by Etisalat, a Telecoms company in the UAE, is said to be capable to achieve the country’s aim.
”Mobile penetration rate in the UAE has crossed 200 per cent and broadband penetration among households stood at 40 per cent in 2010,” Al Mansoori said.
He also said during the Abu Dhabi Telecoms CEO Summit that the UAE is placed in the top 10 globally for the quality of its broadband service.
In 2009-2010, the UAE, he said, ranked the first among the Arab states in the Networked Readiness Index of the World Economic Forum, and 23rd among all 133 countries assessed.
The NRI measures the capacity of an economy to fully leverage ICT for increased competitiveness and development.
‘’The UAE is also implementing an e-government initiative aimed at faster and efficient delivery of services and eventually the accomplishment of a technologically competent,’ Al Mansoori said.
According to the Internet World Stats, web penetration rate during the last one decade was 79.1 per cent in Germany, 82.5 per cent in UK, 68.9 per cent in France, 77.3 per cent in United States and in Asian countries such as 31.6 per cent in China, 81.1 per cent in South Korea, 78.2 per cent in Japan, 6.9 per cent in India.
In the Gulf countries during the last decade, web penetration rate was 38.1 per cent in Saudi Arabia, 51.8 per cent in Qatar, 39.4 per cent in Kuwait and 88 per cent in Bahrain.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/may/19/uae-aims-100-cent-broadband-connectivity/
The United Arab Emirates is striving to be the first country in the world to have 100 per cent broadband penetration by 2012, Minister of Economy Sultan Al Mansoori has said.
An ambitious fibre-to-home technology currently being implemented by Etisalat, a Telecoms company in the UAE, is said to be capable to achieve the country’s aim.
”Mobile penetration rate in the UAE has crossed 200 per cent and broadband penetration among households stood at 40 per cent in 2010,” Al Mansoori said.
He also said during the Abu Dhabi Telecoms CEO Summit that the UAE is placed in the top 10 globally for the quality of its broadband service.
In 2009-2010, the UAE, he said, ranked the first among the Arab states in the Networked Readiness Index of the World Economic Forum, and 23rd among all 133 countries assessed.
The NRI measures the capacity of an economy to fully leverage ICT for increased competitiveness and development.
‘’The UAE is also implementing an e-government initiative aimed at faster and efficient delivery of services and eventually the accomplishment of a technologically competent,’ Al Mansoori said.
According to the Internet World Stats, web penetration rate during the last one decade was 79.1 per cent in Germany, 82.5 per cent in UK, 68.9 per cent in France, 77.3 per cent in United States and in Asian countries such as 31.6 per cent in China, 81.1 per cent in South Korea, 78.2 per cent in Japan, 6.9 per cent in India.
In the Gulf countries during the last decade, web penetration rate was 38.1 per cent in Saudi Arabia, 51.8 per cent in Qatar, 39.4 per cent in Kuwait and 88 per cent in Bahrain.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/may/19/uae-aims-100-cent-broadband-connectivity/
Two new services on OneMap - Today Online - May 19 2011
06:05 AM May 19, 2011SINGAPORE - Two new services have been added to OneMap, an integrated map platform by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for public access to government agencies' location-based services and information.
One of the new services, PropertyPrices, shows the transacted prices of both private housing and Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale flats over the past year on a map.
Users can also view information such as the size of the unit, tenure type (freehold or leasehold) and transaction date.
The other, Space2Lease, allows businesses to check for government properties available for rent by the SLA and HDB.
OneMap is now also available on the iPhone, and its infrastructure can be used to develop other other applications on the mobile phone platform. iPhone apps already published using this platform include NParks' Parks Live, URA's Masterplan 2008 and Property Market Information, and Nanyang Polytechnic's Pocket OneMap.
SLA said OneMap has been well received since its launch a year ago and the public has also given useful suggestions to improve it.
One such suggestion taken on was the public transport routing service, which provides travel directions and journey planning on public buses and the MRT, enabling users to choose the route best suited to their needs and calculates the trip fare, estimated travel time and travel distance to their destinations.
Reference: http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110519-0000320/Two-new-services-on-OneMap
One of the new services, PropertyPrices, shows the transacted prices of both private housing and Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale flats over the past year on a map.
Users can also view information such as the size of the unit, tenure type (freehold or leasehold) and transaction date.
The other, Space2Lease, allows businesses to check for government properties available for rent by the SLA and HDB.
OneMap is now also available on the iPhone, and its infrastructure can be used to develop other other applications on the mobile phone platform. iPhone apps already published using this platform include NParks' Parks Live, URA's Masterplan 2008 and Property Market Information, and Nanyang Polytechnic's Pocket OneMap.
SLA said OneMap has been well received since its launch a year ago and the public has also given useful suggestions to improve it.
One such suggestion taken on was the public transport routing service, which provides travel directions and journey planning on public buses and the MRT, enabling users to choose the route best suited to their needs and calculates the trip fare, estimated travel time and travel distance to their destinations.
Reference: http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110519-0000320/Two-new-services-on-OneMap
Project Inspire gives Egyptian youth 5 minutes to change the world - Daily News Egypt - May 5 2011
CAIRO: Singapore National Committee for UN Women (UN Women Singapore) and MasterCard are joining hands to launch Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World. This year-long digital and social media driven initiative aims to connect and inspire young people in Egypt and across the world to share their life-changing ideas and fulfill their visions of a better world for disadvantaged women and children.
Project Inspire presents 18-35 year olds with a 5-minute platform to pitch their inspired idea to the world and win a $25,000 grant. The grant will be used to bring to life the winning idea and empower disadvantaged women or children in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa through education, skills training, financial inclusion or social entrepreneurship. In addition, special recognition will be given to the best Financial Literacy/Livelihood proposal, which will be awarded a $10,000 start-up grant.
People with a passion to make a difference will be encouraged to visit
www.5minutestochangetheworld.org to submit a 5-minute video or written pitch articulating their idea and how they will use the grant to implement it. Submissions will close by June 30. Subsequently, a shortlist of 10 finalists will have to convince a global voting audience of the merits of their proposal, and present live in Singapore to an expert judging panel at the end of August 2011, when the winner will be announced.
Finalists will also get the opportunity to attend a workshop on sustainable social entrepreneurship and hone their presentation skills through a training session with professional consultants.
Project Inspire will rely on the power of social media to connect people around the world to participate, interact, share ideas and inspire change. This online community will stay connected with winners as they go out into the field in the fourth quarter of 2011 to implement their vision.
Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World is jointly organized by UN Women Singapore and MasterCard and supported by INSEAD, Bain & Company and Channel NewsAsia.
The initiative supports the heightened need to devote resources to the empowerment of women. Despite great strides in their socio-economic standing, statistics show that women account for 70 percent of the world’s poor. They work two-thirds of the world’s working hours, but earn only 10 percent of the income and own 1 percent of the world’s property. Giving these disadvantaged women more opportunities to stand on their own feet has enormous socio-economic ramifications, as empowering women fuels economies, spurring productivity and growth.
A growing body of research demonstrates that there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women. The Global Gender Gap Report 2009, for one, issued by the World Economic Forum found no country where men and women were equal, but noted that where the gender disparity gap was narrower, countries were more economically competitive and prosperous. The report noted that the combined impact of these gaps entails colossal losses to the global society and economy and concluded that significant economic recovery and growth will not occur without the engagement, empowerment, and contribution of women and girls.
Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World is part of MasterCard’s celebration of 25 years in Asia. At the Heart of Commerce, MasterCard has long devoted resources to understanding women and aiding their empowerment across Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa. With a specific focus on social entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and financial literacy, MasterCard has been working alongside other likeminded organizations to support a broad range of women’s causes through scholarships, financial assistance, educational programs and various sustainability programs. These have helped provide many women with the skills required to stand on their own feet and support themselves and their families.
“We are pleased to promote this project in Egypt as Egyptians continue to seek positive social change alongside progressive youth across Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa. MasterCard is committed to community outreach efforts that empower women and children in the region in a sustainable and meaningful way. The Project Inspire initiative will harvest the power of social media to connect and empower people in Egypt to make a lasting and tangible difference in our world,” said Magdy Hassan, vice president and country manager, Egypt.
For more information, please visit www.5minutestochangetheworld.org or join us at the Facebook Causes page at http://widgets.causes.com/causes/597940-project-inspire-5-minutes-to-change-the-world.
Ref: http://thedailynewsegypt.com/youth/project-inspire-gives-egyptian-youth-5-minutes-to-change-the-world.html
Visit Project Inspire Website at http://www.5minutestochangetheworld.org/about
Project Inspire presents 18-35 year olds with a 5-minute platform to pitch their inspired idea to the world and win a $25,000 grant. The grant will be used to bring to life the winning idea and empower disadvantaged women or children in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa through education, skills training, financial inclusion or social entrepreneurship. In addition, special recognition will be given to the best Financial Literacy/Livelihood proposal, which will be awarded a $10,000 start-up grant.
People with a passion to make a difference will be encouraged to visit
www.5minutestochangetheworld.org to submit a 5-minute video or written pitch articulating their idea and how they will use the grant to implement it. Submissions will close by June 30. Subsequently, a shortlist of 10 finalists will have to convince a global voting audience of the merits of their proposal, and present live in Singapore to an expert judging panel at the end of August 2011, when the winner will be announced.
Finalists will also get the opportunity to attend a workshop on sustainable social entrepreneurship and hone their presentation skills through a training session with professional consultants.
Project Inspire will rely on the power of social media to connect people around the world to participate, interact, share ideas and inspire change. This online community will stay connected with winners as they go out into the field in the fourth quarter of 2011 to implement their vision.
Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World is jointly organized by UN Women Singapore and MasterCard and supported by INSEAD, Bain & Company and Channel NewsAsia.
The initiative supports the heightened need to devote resources to the empowerment of women. Despite great strides in their socio-economic standing, statistics show that women account for 70 percent of the world’s poor. They work two-thirds of the world’s working hours, but earn only 10 percent of the income and own 1 percent of the world’s property. Giving these disadvantaged women more opportunities to stand on their own feet has enormous socio-economic ramifications, as empowering women fuels economies, spurring productivity and growth.
A growing body of research demonstrates that there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women. The Global Gender Gap Report 2009, for one, issued by the World Economic Forum found no country where men and women were equal, but noted that where the gender disparity gap was narrower, countries were more economically competitive and prosperous. The report noted that the combined impact of these gaps entails colossal losses to the global society and economy and concluded that significant economic recovery and growth will not occur without the engagement, empowerment, and contribution of women and girls.
Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World is part of MasterCard’s celebration of 25 years in Asia. At the Heart of Commerce, MasterCard has long devoted resources to understanding women and aiding their empowerment across Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa. With a specific focus on social entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and financial literacy, MasterCard has been working alongside other likeminded organizations to support a broad range of women’s causes through scholarships, financial assistance, educational programs and various sustainability programs. These have helped provide many women with the skills required to stand on their own feet and support themselves and their families.
“We are pleased to promote this project in Egypt as Egyptians continue to seek positive social change alongside progressive youth across Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa. MasterCard is committed to community outreach efforts that empower women and children in the region in a sustainable and meaningful way. The Project Inspire initiative will harvest the power of social media to connect and empower people in Egypt to make a lasting and tangible difference in our world,” said Magdy Hassan, vice president and country manager, Egypt.
For more information, please visit www.5minutestochangetheworld.org or join us at the Facebook Causes page at http://widgets.causes.com/causes/597940-project-inspire-5-minutes-to-change-the-world.
Ref: http://thedailynewsegypt.com/youth/project-inspire-gives-egyptian-youth-5-minutes-to-change-the-world.html
Visit Project Inspire Website at http://www.5minutestochangetheworld.org/about
Friday, January 21, 2011
Philippines: Moving on to become a leader in ICT - Trade Union Congress of Philipines - January 15, 2011
Little has been known about the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), created in 2004 by Executive Order No. 269 as the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating and administrative entity of the government’s executive branch for Philippine ICT development.
Today, barely six years after its creation, the Philippines is slowly moving towards being an ICT-enabled society where citizens live in an environment that promote access to technologies providing quality education, sustainable employment, efficient government service, and ultimately, a better quality of life for every Filipino.
Ms. Patricia M. Abejo, CICT Chief of Staff, and Director of Cyberservices Group said the government recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.
“We used to rely on the traditional mode of information like newspapers, television and radio. Now, we’re moving up to the use of more improved technology which provide high speed access to information,” Abejo explained.
“Access to information is very important, thus said Abejo. And for us to be really competitive, “hindi tayo dapat maiiwanan ng development.”
The Commission on Information and Communications Technology is proud of its pet projects which has brought honor to our country. We are slowly emerging as a leader in ICT.
The community e-center is a shared facility set up in far-flung municipalities. Of the country’s 1,511 towns, “we are getting there fast with about 1,000 CeCs already operational,” according to Abejo.
Another flagship project is the e-Skwela, implemented in collaboration with the Department of Education using the electronic module of the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS) and TESDA. More than 50% pass the equivalency exam which is open to out-of-school-youth, housewives, and all those who want to get hold of a high school diploma without attending formal school in 4 years.
The i-schools are public secondary schools being provided by CICT with a computer laboratory, broadband internet, educator training, technical support, and monitoring/evaluation systems that open up access to digital material and applications.
According to Abejo, as of December, 2010, 550,000 are gainfully employed in the business process outsourcing industry and the number is fast growing.
Some of the most vital achievements of the CICT are as follows.
The Philippines was chosen as the world’s best BPO destination during the 2nd and 4th National Outsourcing Association (NOA) Awards, London, 2007 and 2009; the eSkwela received a Certificate of Commendation from the UNESCO ICT in Education Innovation 2007-2008 for Non-Formal Education; the iSCHOOLS Digital Inclusion Award won the 3rd Government Technology Awards in Bali, Indonesia on September, 2009; PhilCeCNet.ph won as Semi-Finalist for Community and Portal Category during the 11th Philippine Web Awards 2008; and, bagged the Disabled-Friendly Website Award in July 2009 given by the Philippine Web Accessibility Group and the National Council on Disability Affairs.
The creation of a Department of ICT is still under consideration in both houses. Its creation will more effectively coordinate and implement national ICT programs, projects and other related initiatives. “Hindi tayo dapat magpaiwan sa ibang countries, Abejo said, we should move on with the times.”
Source URL:
http://www.tucp.org.ph/news/index.php/2011/01/philippines-moving-on-to-become-a-leader-in-ict/
Today, barely six years after its creation, the Philippines is slowly moving towards being an ICT-enabled society where citizens live in an environment that promote access to technologies providing quality education, sustainable employment, efficient government service, and ultimately, a better quality of life for every Filipino.
Ms. Patricia M. Abejo, CICT Chief of Staff, and Director of Cyberservices Group said the government recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.
“We used to rely on the traditional mode of information like newspapers, television and radio. Now, we’re moving up to the use of more improved technology which provide high speed access to information,” Abejo explained.
“Access to information is very important, thus said Abejo. And for us to be really competitive, “hindi tayo dapat maiiwanan ng development.”
The Commission on Information and Communications Technology is proud of its pet projects which has brought honor to our country. We are slowly emerging as a leader in ICT.
The community e-center is a shared facility set up in far-flung municipalities. Of the country’s 1,511 towns, “we are getting there fast with about 1,000 CeCs already operational,” according to Abejo.
Another flagship project is the e-Skwela, implemented in collaboration with the Department of Education using the electronic module of the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS) and TESDA. More than 50% pass the equivalency exam which is open to out-of-school-youth, housewives, and all those who want to get hold of a high school diploma without attending formal school in 4 years.
The i-schools are public secondary schools being provided by CICT with a computer laboratory, broadband internet, educator training, technical support, and monitoring/evaluation systems that open up access to digital material and applications.
According to Abejo, as of December, 2010, 550,000 are gainfully employed in the business process outsourcing industry and the number is fast growing.
Some of the most vital achievements of the CICT are as follows.
The Philippines was chosen as the world’s best BPO destination during the 2nd and 4th National Outsourcing Association (NOA) Awards, London, 2007 and 2009; the eSkwela received a Certificate of Commendation from the UNESCO ICT in Education Innovation 2007-2008 for Non-Formal Education; the iSCHOOLS Digital Inclusion Award won the 3rd Government Technology Awards in Bali, Indonesia on September, 2009; PhilCeCNet.ph won as Semi-Finalist for Community and Portal Category during the 11th Philippine Web Awards 2008; and, bagged the Disabled-Friendly Website Award in July 2009 given by the Philippine Web Accessibility Group and the National Council on Disability Affairs.
The creation of a Department of ICT is still under consideration in both houses. Its creation will more effectively coordinate and implement national ICT programs, projects and other related initiatives. “Hindi tayo dapat magpaiwan sa ibang countries, Abejo said, we should move on with the times.”
Source URL:
http://www.tucp.org.ph/news/index.php/2011/01/philippines-moving-on-to-become-a-leader-in-ict/
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Youth Worker connects at-risk teens to workplace – DotNews - 16 Dec 2010
After 30 years of ground-level violence intervention work at the Dorchester Youth Collaborative, executive director and founding member Emmett Folgert has little time for ponderous citywide shifts in intervention strategies.
The Youth Collaborative opens its doors to more than 100 teens in the Fields Corner area daily, offering them a safe environment to practice break dancing, play ping pong and find employment opportunities, which Folgert believes is key to restoring a sense of self-worth to kids who have fallen through social service nets and see street violence as an unavoidable reality.
“If you live in what the police consider a crime hotspot, the likelihood you will be a victim, a witness or join a gang is 100 percent,” Folgert said. “The only way to avoid it is to provide some kind of alternative.”
While social service departments refer a small number of teens to Folgert's program, the youth collaborative often targets those who live under the radar of these departments, teens who have already given up on school and need structure to their days. With more than 1300 students failing to graduate from Boston public schools annually, Folgert says there is no shortage of teens who feel they have nothing to lose.
Folgert believes the gang landscape has changed drastically over the past decade, from large organizations dependant on teen drug dealers working corners to more dispersed operations involving older dealers who receive text-message orders and deliver to clients doors.
With less employment opportunities, teens without GEDs are now scrambling for honest jobs more qualified, recently laid-off adults have turned to during the recession, this in turn leaves many kids with no means to support themselves and little sense of worth, a “perfect storm” for street-level gang membership to swell.
In hopes of providing at-risk youths an alternative to crime, Folgert has appealed to their wallets and minds through what he calls the “second chance school.” Through this program, the DYC can offer kids who have dropped out of school a weekly stipend of up to $100 in exchange for entering a GED program during school hours and spending their free time maintaining city-owned foreclosed homes throughout Boston.
Through this “no BS jobs program”street staff can offer a potential gang member a paying, legal job regardless of whether they can produce social security cards or other documentation, a hurdle which Folgert said would make it nearly impossible for the 30 young adults in the program to find honest employment themselves.
Folgert said his organization also keeps close tabs on potential grudges between rival gangs because the youth collaborative staff is largely made up of local teens who have grown up in the neighborhood. This staff serves as eyes and ears on the street, catching rumors of escalating gang rivalries, allowing street workers to identify key players and mediate conflicts.
While the Dorchester Youth Collaborative has made strides in reducing gang violence, its reach only extends into a small corner of the Dorchester community. Folgert suggests similar programs could begin building what he calls “cultures of peace” in as little as three years by inviting kids 11 and under to participate in a community setting, instilling nonviolent principles at a young age and training these early adopters as role models for the next generation of youths.
Even with a tiered approach to peace, Folgert said organizers must be ready to face setbacks when teaching kids that they can escape inner-city violence. Sometimes, Folgert said, even the most well-prepared teen can become collateral damage on their way to school or home, causing others to ask whether or not there really is a peaceful way to reach 20.
Folgert said that despite these losses, workers need to press on for the thousands of children who visit the DYC annually in hopes of finding a safe haven.
“The loss of an innocent is a real blow, but you’ve got to pull them out of the predestination mindset and you do it one relationship at a time.”
Giving Back to At-Risk Youth - TMCnet – 23 Dec 2010
Source: http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/rich-tehrani/call-center/giving-back-to-at-risk-youth.html
I love to see companies give back to their communities and people in need.
In fact you may have noticed as of late I have become an advocate of smaller government with far less overhead and taxes; in-part so organizations and wealthy individuals can have more money to spend on causes they deem wealthy.
The alternative where higher tax rates are imposed and the proceeds used to benefit special-interest groups with voting power never has and never will make sense to me.
To me, the American Dream is to start from humble means and make a positive difference on the lives of others through continued success.
So when I heard Interactive Intelligence starting a foundation for at-risk youth, I couldn't help but smile.
It's worth pointing out other companies who are successful and have made a difference via charity include Google, Salesforce.com and Facebook.
During this time of holiday cheer, it is gratifying to see companies taking the proceeds from their success and using them to help others.
When you allocate your charitable contributions at year-end and beyond, you may want to consider this foundation.
Here are some details:
I love to see companies give back to their communities and people in need.
In fact you may have noticed as of late I have become an advocate of smaller government with far less overhead and taxes; in-part so organizations and wealthy individuals can have more money to spend on causes they deem wealthy.
The alternative where higher tax rates are imposed and the proceeds used to benefit special-interest groups with voting power never has and never will make sense to me.
To me, the American Dream is to start from humble means and make a positive difference on the lives of others through continued success.
So when I heard Interactive Intelligence starting a foundation for at-risk youth, I couldn't help but smile.
It's worth pointing out other companies who are successful and have made a difference via charity include Google, Salesforce.com and Facebook.
During this time of holiday cheer, it is gratifying to see companies taking the proceeds from their success and using them to help others.
When you allocate your charitable contributions at year-end and beyond, you may want to consider this foundation.
Here are some details:
· Funds raised by the foundation are distributed to a small number of not-for-profit organizations roughly commensurate with the Interactive Intelligence Inc. employee distribution in Indiana (66%), Non-Indiana U.S. (19%), and Non-U.S. (15%).
· Monetary distribution decisions are made one time each year by the foundation’s board of directors.
· Special emphasis is placed on projects that promote technology education amongst the targeted at-risk youth sector.
· At the decision of the board of directors, a portion of the foundation’s funds may be directed at times to assist world crises or natural disasters.
Intervention Activities for At-Risk Youth – eHow – 14 Dec 2010
Programs for at-risk youth focus on building the teens' self-confidence, working with their parents and promoting positive interaction with their peer groups. Children who are involved in after-school activities are less likely to smoke, drink, use drugs or engage in sexual activity. According to the Ada County, Idaho, Sheriff's Department, juvenile incarceration costs can top $45,000 annually, while positive, alternative activities for at-risk youths cost $480 per year (as of 2010). Successful intervention programs combine the use of two or more activities to engage as many youths as possible.
Sports
After-school sports and recreation programs promote self-esteem and working with others. Involvement in recreational activities can improve school attendance and grades. Little League and other city league opportunities, informal games and after-school programs based out of schools all offer opportunities for structured sports activities. Sports involvement can provide constructive activities, offer positive adult mentoring and role models and encourage self-esteem in at-risk youth.
Tutoring
At-risk youth who struggle with grades need immediate scholastic help. Tutoring promotes one-on-one or small group classes that not only provides academic assistance but offers informal mentoring services from an older student or teacher. Having a tutor can improve student grades and boost self-esteem and confidence for students who struggle with academic performance.
Arts
Most youths enjoy the opportunity to express their creativity through art. For at-risk youth, a visual and performing arts program can increase the student's awareness and promote positive thinking. Drama, music, dance, arts and crafts all offer hands-on ways that students can engage in healthy activities. As students participate in creative activities and see their finished products and performances, self-confidence for at-risk youth will improve.
Science and Math
Science and math programs can improve self-esteem, increase teamwork and promote a new appreciation for science or math. Other intervention activities can be as simple as offering extra academic support for students struggling in school. A program such as the Exxon Mobile Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp offers a free program that promotes the value of science and math. Students take field trips and work on lab projects while meeting with scientists, medical personnel and others in technology-related fields. The program promotes intelligence as a value for at-risk youth and encourages them to pursue careers in technological fields.
Vocational
Organizations such as the Job Corps offer specific vocational training for at-risk youth. Juveniles who may not have even realized what services are available can attend job and career training. A wide variety of classes are offered to spark the interest of young people. Job Corps provides free services toward a high school diploma or GED, career training and getting a job. Life skills classes round out the student's classes, which helps at-risk youth with day-to-day practical skills.
Specific Programs
Some schools offer specific workbooks and programs designed to target high-risk behaviors, such as violence and gang activity. These programs, used alone or in conjunction with other services, offer a focused look at the issue. Small groups effectively offer youths the opportunity to discuss issues in a non-threatening environment, sometimes during the school day.
Helping Youth at risk stay in school – CYC-Net – 5 Dec 2010
Faculty members from Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education are part of a collaborative team working to enhance educational opportunities for Youth in Care.
Nipissing’s Dr. Mike Parr and Dr. Warnie Richardson are working with stakeholders, agencies and institutions, including representatives from school boards, the Children’s Aid Society, colleges, universities and other child advocacy agencies, to form the Northern Ontario Championship Team. Together, the team is working to study and advance initiatives geared to enhancing the prospects for educational success and general life trajectories of youth at risk, specifically those under the care of the Crown, or Crown Wards.
The team recently received a $150,000 grant from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for seed money based on their proposal to increase participation of Crown Wards in intermediate schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities through self-advocacy skills, awareness and support; and to increase awareness of how partners can be more responsive to the needs of youth with Crown Ward status in the communities of Nipissing, Parry Sound and Muskoka.
Phase one of the team’s initiative is complete. It included creating a website for students, parents and service providers that provides links to all contributing agencies offering services and programs to support Youth in Care (Crown Wards). The site can be accessed at: www.clickforsuccess.ca.
Future phases include plans for a symposium for all stakeholders to investigate current initiatives, concentrating on identifying best practices; and launching and measuring strategic initiatives designed to enhance the overall life trajectories, particularly related to schooling experiences of at-risk, marginalized and Youth in Care.
As representatives from the university sector, Parr and Richardson will be working from a research perspective to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the team’s initiatives.
“The program is aimed at Crown Wards, youth who have been removed from their homes and placed in the care of the government, many of who are at risk of being marginalized and dropping out of school” said Parr. “All of these kids have great potentials yet to be harnessed, and we hope that though collaboration within the Championship Team we can help these youth not only in their schooling endeavours but with their overall development as individuals as well.”
CDC's $1.5 mil plan to reach at-risk youth – asiaone – 1 Dec 2010
By David Lim
YOUTH at risk will be encouraged to participate in activities aimed at keeping them off the wayward path, through a three-year youth-engagement plan.
Youth@North West, launched by the North West Community Development Council (CDC) yesterday, will provide platforms for young people to pursue sports, the arts or community work to benefit the community.
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Said Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North West District: "Although the majority of youth are engaged in meaningful activities, there is a small percentage who may be at risk of straying to other activities."
Hence, the plan aims to "guide these youth who are at risk to join the community in our morewholesome activities", said Dr Teo.
This $1.5-million initiative comes in the wake of two separate gang-related attacks which took place in Bukit Panjang, part of the North West District.
It aims to reach out to young people in the North West District and guide them to develop a sense of ownership over the community, by running projects that are beneficial to the whole community.
The CDC aims to increase the annual participation of young people in its youth-outreach activities, from between 20,000 and 25,000 to about 60,000 annually after three years.
Since its formation nine years ago, the CDC has been organising many outreach activities for youth.
However, these were on an ad-hoc basis.
Dr Teo said that the CDC wanted to have a more structured and coordinated approach to its outreach activities and, therefore, spent a year to develop this framework with its stakeholders.
The execution of this plan will see the CDC spend up to $500,000 annually on its outreach activities, as compared to between $150,000 and $180,000 before this initiative.
An amount of $250,000 will also be set aside for the North West Youth Engagement & Support (YES) Fund. Through the YES fund, young people are encouraged to propose projects beneficial to the community, with a maximum cost of $10,000.
If the proposal is accepted, the CDC will fund 75 per cent of the total cost and the remaining sum will be funded by sponsors.
Youth@North West aims to attract young people through five areas: the arts, community work, leadership development, sports, and discussion and free speech. Each area is championed by a youth leader who has been trained in community development.
Ms Adrienne Ser, 23, who helms the leadership development category, said that she strongly believes friendship is key to reaching more youth.
"I believe in multiplying our number from one to two to three and so on. I feel that's how it should work. Moreover, when we organise activities, we cater to the interests of our own members as well," the executive assistant with the Singapore Sports School said.
India: Digital Inclusion for Rural Empowerment – tmcnet – 20 Dec 2010
Source: http://www.unpan.org/PublicAdministrationNews/tabid/115/mctl/ArticleView/ModuleID/1467/articleId/23919/default.aspx
Dec 20, 2010 (Mint - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- India needs to develop its own model of how to utilize information and communication technology (ICT) to benefit the masses, said Sam Pitroda, adviser to the Prime Minister on public information infrastructure and innovations.
"We need to create an Indian model of information system suited to our needs," Pitroda said at the 7th Manthan Award South Asia 2010, hosted in New Delhi on Saturday.
Organized by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF); One97, a provider of mobile value-added services; Internet Society; and the Indian government's department of information technology (DIT), the theme of the awards this year was "empowering rural masses through wireless, 3G and broadband". Mint is a strategic partner of The Manthan Awards.
The awards seek to promote innovative ICT products from across South Asia.
Organizers received 456 entries for the competition, of which 434 were accepted. These included 313 from India, 57 from Sri Lanka, 51 from Bangladesh, 31 from Pakistan, two from Nepal and one each from Afghanistan and the Maldives.
A 20-member jury selected 41 winners out of 77 finalists in 15 categories: e-agriculture and livelihood, e-business and enterprise, e-culture and heritage, e-education, e-entertainment, e-environment, e-governance, e-health, e-learning, e-localization, e-news and media, e-inclusion, e-travel and tourism, community broadcasting and most innovative nominations.
"Broadband is electricity for the 21st century. You give bandwidth to grassroots innovators and they are ready to implement a million ideas," said Osama Manzar, founder of DEF and curator of the award.
"The maximum participation we saw was from the inclusion category and also the toughest to decide for the obvious reasons. Categories like environment, entertainment, culture and heritage and science are the least popular ones, which is a concern," he said.
The participants in the programme included government officials, students, community and industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. They addressed concerns such as content, connectivity, infrastructure and policy and regulation with regard to rural technology.
Ramamurthy Sivakumar, managing director, sales and marketing for Intel (South Asia), said digital information and consumption, especially for mobile data, is growing twice as fast in tier-3 and tier-4 cities compared to tier-2 cities. This will be boosted further by the availability of cheap mobile phones that can be used to communicate via video. "India is a content-rich nation. In five years, an average Indian will have three devices in their hands." But Rajneesh D. Singh of the Internet Society disagreed. There are more content consumers than content creators, and this is the biggest challenge for India, he said.
Jayalakshmi Chittoor, a consultant on ICT for development, said a platform was needed to allow people working on similar technologies to be able to coordinate with each other.
Poor connectivity is another challenge in the dissemination of content. "The Internet is the greatest instrument of providing equal opportunity as enshrined in India's constitution. But the constraint is Internet access and broadband in remote areas," said Mohammed Haleem Khan from the ministry of rural development.
"The government should provide access to existing infrastructure on a sharing basis," said Michael Ginguld, chief executive of AirJaldi, a wireless network provider. "This will help in fixing the gaps in digital infrastructure." Power shortages hamper steady connectivity. "Technologies should be developed which complete the whole process of transaction, even if the power goes off. Work your way around your weaknesses," said Ashish Sanyal, secretary, DIT.
Mahabir Pun of Nepal Wireless, a 2007 Magsaysay awardwinner, said the right policies were crucial. "Funds are not a problem for people like us, we can somehow manage," Pun said. "But clarity on policy and regulations needs to be achieved." The experts also suggested that taxes should be reduced on Internet access and delivery terminals, and there should be collaboration between government and industry for providing demand-driven training, content creation and delivery platforms.
Dec 20, 2010 (Mint - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- India needs to develop its own model of how to utilize information and communication technology (ICT) to benefit the masses, said Sam Pitroda, adviser to the Prime Minister on public information infrastructure and innovations.
"We need to create an Indian model of information system suited to our needs," Pitroda said at the 7th Manthan Award South Asia 2010, hosted in New Delhi on Saturday.
Organized by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF); One97, a provider of mobile value-added services; Internet Society; and the Indian government's department of information technology (DIT), the theme of the awards this year was "empowering rural masses through wireless, 3G and broadband". Mint is a strategic partner of The Manthan Awards.
The awards seek to promote innovative ICT products from across South Asia.
Organizers received 456 entries for the competition, of which 434 were accepted. These included 313 from India, 57 from Sri Lanka, 51 from Bangladesh, 31 from Pakistan, two from Nepal and one each from Afghanistan and the Maldives.
A 20-member jury selected 41 winners out of 77 finalists in 15 categories: e-agriculture and livelihood, e-business and enterprise, e-culture and heritage, e-education, e-entertainment, e-environment, e-governance, e-health, e-learning, e-localization, e-news and media, e-inclusion, e-travel and tourism, community broadcasting and most innovative nominations.
"Broadband is electricity for the 21st century. You give bandwidth to grassroots innovators and they are ready to implement a million ideas," said Osama Manzar, founder of DEF and curator of the award.
"The maximum participation we saw was from the inclusion category and also the toughest to decide for the obvious reasons. Categories like environment, entertainment, culture and heritage and science are the least popular ones, which is a concern," he said.
The participants in the programme included government officials, students, community and industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. They addressed concerns such as content, connectivity, infrastructure and policy and regulation with regard to rural technology.
Ramamurthy Sivakumar, managing director, sales and marketing for Intel (South Asia), said digital information and consumption, especially for mobile data, is growing twice as fast in tier-3 and tier-4 cities compared to tier-2 cities. This will be boosted further by the availability of cheap mobile phones that can be used to communicate via video. "India is a content-rich nation. In five years, an average Indian will have three devices in their hands." But Rajneesh D. Singh of the Internet Society disagreed. There are more content consumers than content creators, and this is the biggest challenge for India, he said.
Jayalakshmi Chittoor, a consultant on ICT for development, said a platform was needed to allow people working on similar technologies to be able to coordinate with each other.
Poor connectivity is another challenge in the dissemination of content. "The Internet is the greatest instrument of providing equal opportunity as enshrined in India's constitution. But the constraint is Internet access and broadband in remote areas," said Mohammed Haleem Khan from the ministry of rural development.
"The government should provide access to existing infrastructure on a sharing basis," said Michael Ginguld, chief executive of AirJaldi, a wireless network provider. "This will help in fixing the gaps in digital infrastructure." Power shortages hamper steady connectivity. "Technologies should be developed which complete the whole process of transaction, even if the power goes off. Work your way around your weaknesses," said Ashish Sanyal, secretary, DIT.
Mahabir Pun of Nepal Wireless, a 2007 Magsaysay awardwinner, said the right policies were crucial. "Funds are not a problem for people like us, we can somehow manage," Pun said. "But clarity on policy and regulations needs to be achieved." The experts also suggested that taxes should be reduced on Internet access and delivery terminals, and there should be collaboration between government and industry for providing demand-driven training, content creation and delivery platforms.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: EU shows the way on e-inclusion – EIS – 3 Dec 2010
EU-funded high-tech research makes a reality of legal requirements and policy initiatives that aim at unlocking truly equal opportunities and rights for disabled citizens
Besides offering smart solutions to empower persons with disabilities, digital technologies are becoming the more and more necessary, when not the default channel, to access services and exercise one’s basic rights. That is why giving to the 80 million Europeans with a disability the same access to ICT as all other citizens is imperative to counter the emergence of new digital divides and fully realise the EU’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated today across the world.
The recent Digital Agenda for Europe and European Disability Strategy embrace a vision of ICT as the key to making the living environment, services and products personalised and adaptable to the abilities of people with disabilities, and not vice-versa. In addition, EU legislation on electronic communications and audiovisual media already stipulates equal rights for persons with disabilities when it comes to access and quality.
One of the first Digital Agenda actions that we can tick as 'complete' is the signature, on 14 September, of a Memorandum of Understanding on access to works by persons with print disabilities, for example dyslexia and visual impairment. The Memorandum will spur the production and facilitate the cross-border distribution of works published in alternative formats, like audio-books and Braille for example.
Policies and legislation are only one side of the European Union's commitment to the rights of people with disability. The European Union is also supporting research and development activities aimed at delivering e-accessibility, i.e. making sure that ICT is an opportunity and not a barrier.
Since 2007, the European Commission has earmarked more than 110 million euro for research into accessible and inclusive ICT. Thanks to such funding, pan-European teams of researchers, public authorities, disabled users and industry work together to deliver meaningful technology for disabled people in all life environments.
Research into accessible and inclusive ICT – some examples
Since 2002, EU telecom rules have required that the 112 emergency number is available free-of-charge everywhere in the EU. However, disabilities like for example hearing or speech impairments, can make access to the emergency services via the traditional voice telephony impossible, thus putting more lives at risk. The EU-funded pilot project REACH112 is validating – over several Member States - alternative modes of communication, may it be real-time text, sign language, lip reading, voice or any simultaneous combination of these modes, as per the Total Conversation concept, both for calling the emergency services but also for any telephone call. View a short (2:13) video with Gunnar Hellstrom from the leading Swedish pilot site.
The large-scale pilot project DTV4ALL aims at ensuring that everybody enjoys the benefits of the switch-over from analogue to digital television taking place in Europe and to be completed by 2012. It is estimated that 15% of Europeans have difficulties in accessing digital TV for various impairments reasons. At the same time, the switch-over, although theoretically offering more access possibilities, poses also technical challenges to the delivery of such access services as subtitling, deaf signing or audio description, that are valued by users with disabilities. The project aims at validating solutions and issuing recommendations to the electronic industry, broadcasters, and possibly standardisation bodies.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Centers Opened to Increase Pensioners’ Computer Literacy – St.Petersberg Times – 17 Dec 2010
The St. Petersburg Times
Two new computer centers for elderly people will open in St. Petersburg in December and January with the aim of raising computer literacy among elderly people and enabling them to communicate with their friends via the Internet.
The computer training given at the centers will be free, said Anatoly Vereschagin, director of communications, charity and sponsorship projects at the company JTI in Russia, which sponsored the opening of the centers.
“This project is oriented toward elderly people, many of whom suffer from loneliness — a problem that the Internet can help to solve,” Vereschagin said at a press conference Thursday.
Leonarda Pchelina, head of the Alternativa Internet Club — the first computer club for elderly people opened by JTI in the Moskovsky district of the city in 2007 — said it was “a great opportunity” for older people to start using modern communication means.
“Our generation always experienced a lack of knowledge in that sphere due to our age, but we always wanted to dive into the world of the Internet,” Pchelina said.
Two levels of computer knowledge are taught at the center, Pchelina said. The basic level includes email and other primary Internet functions. At the advanced level, elderly people learn how to use Skype and ICQ.
“The brains of people who use the Internet work more efficiently. The Internet makes people forget about their illnesses and loneliness,” Pchelina said.
Georgy Shalamov, one of the members of Alternativa club, said a number of the club’s advanced students have already learned how to use popular social networking sites such as VKontakte, and have already found friends online and joined various Internet groups. They have also learned how to use Twitter and Live Journal.
Alexander Rzhanenkov, head of the city’s Social Policy Committee, said there are at least 20 social services centers where elderly people can learn computer skills in the city.
“However, the opportunities at those centers are somewhat limited, and far from everyone who would like to learn computer skills can do so there,” Rzhanenkov said.
“So it’s great when we see mutual collaboration in opening such centers between the city authorities and business. We are thankful to JTI for its input into such projects,” he said.
During the first three years of the first Internet center’s existence, at least 3,000 pensioners have taken classes there. The two new centers in the Krasnoselsky district of the city will teach up to 800 people a year.
Rzhanenkov said elderly people account for 23 percent of the city population, meaning there are still plenty of people among them who would love to learn how to use a computer.
Basic Computer Skills for Senior Citizens and the Computer Illiterate: A Technophobe-Friendly Guide – Kristobaldude – 20 Dec 2010
Source: http://kristobaldude.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/basic-computer-skills-for-senior-citizens-and-the-computer-illiterate/
Recently, I received a call from my mom who lives in Portland, Oregon. She was having trouble with her printer after having previously also had issues with viruses and malware. As I attempted to assist her with her issues, I ran into a very frustrating situation that has continuously been a stumbling block in my ability to help get her up and running again. That thing that prevents our progress is her lack of basic computer skills, and she is not alone as millions of people today still have no computer education except frustrated hands-on attempts.First, you must understand that I have no way of viewing my mom’s computer or connecting to it to fix things (In XP, I used to be able to remote in, but now she has Vista and that option is not available), so every time she calls me for help, I have to walk her through each part of the fix or troubleshooting process, step-by-step. I am known as a very patient person who is able to explain technical concepts well to most folks with little to no previous computer knowledge. Unfortunately, my mom seems to need a lot of repetition for her to finally be able to perform a simple instruction. I don’t mean to cast aspersions; this is just simply the way things are at present. She is not dumb either: to the contrary, she is very smart about some things. However, when it comes to computer, tech, science, etc … she falls short. And that’s OK. Some people have an aptitude to pick up new technical skills for their entire life, but are less apt at picking up new social skills. For Mom, it is simply “vice-versa” – She can pick up new skills, such as the concept of Social Networks like Facebook and MySpace easily. But when it comes to basic computer maintenance and ownership topics, like how to install a printer, defrag a computer, or find files in Windows, she is at a loss. These things don’t come easy to her and others like her.
The many frustrating hours I have spent trying to help my dear mother on “legit” level 2 technical support issues such as diagnosing printer failures and configuring antivirus/anti-malware programs, have usually been impeded by my having to re-explain the fundamentals of computer ownership, use, and maintenance (sub-Level 1 tech support) ad infinitum. For her it is a frustrating experience because it’s just not her domain of expertise. In my own life, I’ve had similar frustrations and it was always very hard, until I found a way to understand the concept through analogies that made sense to me, etc. One example from my past was my inability to understand the concept of “decimal places” … Had I never figured that out, I would definitely not have become a programmer or been good with math.
I too feel like my patience and time is being tried and wasted, respectively, because in my mind (and in reality) I am thinking “I already told you this!!! Why haven’t you learned this by now??? For over 10 years I have been telling you this!!!” Also, “No Mom – RIGHT-Click!!!” has been something I have had to say a lot. Imagine if every time you asked somebody to drive to the store to pick up some things, that you had to re-explain how to put the key in the ignition and how to operate the accelerator (aka: gas pedal) and brakes; now you have some idea of what I have to go through on a regular basis. That would soon grow tiresome to even the most kindhearted and helpful person.
This mutual pattern of frustration was the direct impetus for my writing this article. It culminated today when after another exasperating session of attempted technical support on a computer issue; I finally told my Mom that I can no longer help her with her issues because it is simply disrespectful to waste my time by not remembering or improving her knowledge of computers on her own.
Let me give you a brief analogy: If you were in a musical band, and the band was learning a new song, and there was one part that you found particularly difficult to play, it would be your responsibility to learn that part on your own, would it not? Further, to come to the next band practice having NOT practiced on your own would simply be disrespectful of the other members’ time, because instead of spending time learning more new songs, they now have to take the band’s time to try and teach you what you should have worked on, on your own.
To ask someone repeatedly something they have already answered for you ad nauseam, is BLATANT DISRESPECT FOR THEIR TIME, and breeds resentment from the person who is attempting to give assistance.
So, here you see, I am trying to alleviate some of that frustration and resentment by providing a list of resources, including several online training videos, which cost nothing to make use of, except a few minutes of your time.
Though it was my mom’s lack of computer knowledge that prompted me to write this, my wish is that anyone else who is suffering from this problem may gain hope and a better understanding through their own self-study and efforts of the below materials. Now, everything is in one source, and at your fingertips!
For some, even searching the internet can be an ordeal. Truly, even for the experienced, it is sometimes difficult to find a topic online because of the way Google search works. Do not fear my friends, for I have invested several hours of my time researching and compiling the links and resources that for you, may have taken several weeks or months to accomplish.
I put a lot of my personal time into gathering these materials. The only thanks I ask is that you comment and let me know if you found this article helpful!!! Also, I would be happy to hear of any additions to the content you might suggest!
Senior moments in computer gaming – ChinaDaily – 31 Dec 2010
Huang is a mother, a retired government official and is 57 years of age. She's one of many seniors captivated by computer games who happily logs on to play games such as Happy Farm.
Happy Farm is a social game, letting users plant and harvest crops. This game has more than 10 versions in China, spread among different social network service (SNS) websites. Huang has registered five accounts on three SNS websites to play the games.
Games such as Happy Farm, which feature exquisite visuals and easy operations, are the rage in China and are attracting increasing numbers of non-typical players such as parents or even grandparents.
PopCap Games, the Seattle-based company that developed Bejeweled, Zuma and Plants vs Zombies, said that more than 15 percent of its regular users are over 50.
And QQ - one of China's most popular games site - has more than 1.5 million elderly people online daily, the company said.
Li Ping, CEO and vice-president of International Federation of Multimedia Associations, said that one trend of global game development is games for the elderly, even though most game companies target children or youngsters.
One survey on Internet development in China showed that almost 7 percent of regular users in the country are 50 and above.
But no game has yet been designed for the elderly, although Japan and the United States have carried out research on this. Nintendo, the Japanese company that developed Mario Bros., has a game aimed at helping seniors train their minds and has received favorable responses from the Japanese and British market.
PopCap has also been carrying out research with universities over the past five years around the stress relief and mental cognition benefits of playing Bejeweled.
Liu Chungang, secretary-general of the Beijing Animation and Game Industry Alliance, said the industry in China is dominated by massive multiplayer online role playing games, where the gross profit margin can be as high as 70 percent.
Five Chinese games, including Meng Huan Xi You and Perfect World, were on the Forbes list of the Top Moneymaking Online Games last year, with Meng Huan Xi You earning $400 million and Perfect World $300 million.
"The development of China's game is still aimed at youngsters who have better physical and mental conditions than seniors," said Deng Lili, professor of Institute for Cultural Industries at Peking University.
"Besides, many seniors don't have the opportunity to contact computer and the Internet, not to mention computer games."
Yet the demand of senior games is growing. "I know a lot of retired people who need games that can help them kill time and train the mind," Deng said.
"Some well-educated elders hope to learn more things through interesting games.
"Besides, games may help alleviate the pains of rehabilitation and improve the quality of treatment."
Gaming is gradually being applied in healthcare, education and other fields. Chen Yawei, from China Rehabilitation Research Center at Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, told China Daily it has adopted some games to ensure the rehabilitation process tht is not boring. Computers are used for cognitive training and balancing exercises.
"There is a trend in foreign countries to use games as treatment, and we have been exploring this, such as 'musical therapy'," Chen said.
"We really want to use more effective ways to help the elderly."
But key players in China's gaming industry, such as Tencent, Ourgame, Shanda and PopCap don't have specific plans for senior-oriented games at present.
However, Tencent has made many versions of its games more accessible to elders, such as bigger cards, fonts and slower operations.
Liu Qiang, director of the Internet culture department of the Ministry of Culture, said the industry should not attempt to hasten the pace and hope for quick successes of senior-oriented games.
"When there are demands, there will be potential markets; when there are potential markets, we can expect more companies to provide products," Liu said.
"The growing demand of the elderly for the Internet would push them to contact more entertainment online, including games. The seniors game market is a kind of blank in China. There is space for companies to expand their business."
While Huang is quite satisfied with the games available, she still prefers more suitable games.
"More interesting games with educational function maybe I'm not too old to read and learn," Huang said. "I hope I can harvest something from the game, just like I do in Happy Farm."
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