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/

Youth Worker connects at-risk teens to workplace – DotNews - 16 Dec 2010

Source: http://www.dotnews.com/2010/youth-worker-connects-risk-teens-workplace

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:

·            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

Source: http://www.ehow.com/list_7641397_intervention-activities-atrisk-youth.html

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

Source:  http://www.cyc-net.org/today2010/today101206.html

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.

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.