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Achievements of the UNDP Internet Support Project. Isatou Secka-Jah National Coordinator. background. 3 year $100, 000 launched by the UNDP Banjul Office in 1998 Set up in parallel to The Gambia’s Internet Initiative the Monitoring and backstopping of The Gambia’s IIA
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Achievements of theUNDP Internet Support Project Isatou Secka-Jah National Coordinator
background • 3 year $100, 000 launched by the UNDP Banjul Office in 1998 • Set up in parallel to The Gambia’s Internet Initiative • the Monitoring and backstopping of The Gambia’s IIA • activities were coordinated through a nationally recruited professional
Objectives • Practical Approach • establish connectivity of identified national institutions to the Internet • build capacity of connected national institutions on the use and maintenance of Internet services • advocate the beneficial use of the Internet nationally
Objectives • assess the universal access requirements of The Gambia and the viability of the project • ensure the sustainability of The Gambia's Internet Initiative
Achievements • Connectivity • identification of key national institutions • dialup and leased connectivity • acquisition of small equipment, modem/computers • negotiated costs for leased connectivity for educational Institutions/NGOs
Achievements • Training • Awareness Seminars • Overview of Internet Applications, Internet Needs Assessment, Content Development • Workshops • Internet Basics & Effective Use • Managing Internet Services
Beneficiaries- Connectivity/Training • Education Rural Development Institute, Gambia College, GTTI, MDI, University of The Gambia, NARI • Media Gambia Press Union, National Library, Broadcasting Project • Health Royal Victoria Hospital, Bansang Hospital, • NGOs Tango, Action-Aid
Beneficiaries- Connectivity/Training • Government Institutions DOSWCI, DOSY& S, PMO, DOS T & I, Vice President’s Office • Other Institutions National Assembly, National Youth Council, NYSS, Women’s Bureau, SPACO, Functional Literacy Project, Chamber of Commerce
Advocacy • Presentations at forums • NYC Divisional Forums, APSO Conference, Science Clinic for Girls • Internet Awareness Week • country wide Schools Tour, TV Documentaries, Radio Shows, • Annual Newsletter • captures local Internet News & technological development around world
Technical Backstopping • Technical support of Gateway & Backbone • maintenance/troubleshooting/upgrading • Web Presence • UN Agencies • other local institutions
Achievements • Sustainability/Handing Over Activities • formation of Internet Society Gambia Chapter • represents the local internet community • partnership/speak with one voice to address issues of common concern • ensure continuity • taken over annual Internet Awareness Week/ Internet Newsletter
Sustainability/Handing Over Activities evaluation of universal access requirements • identifying grey areas, sustaining costs, maintaining networks, improving access penetration, keeping up with technological advancement
Best Practices • Pooling of local expertise • setting of NTRC • involvement of beneficiaries from start • identifying and focusing on special interest groups • cost sharing • recurrent costs • phasing out of assistance • involvement of decision-makers
Constraints • Lack of basic Infrastructure - computers, electricity etc • lack of technical know-how • high illiteracy, poverty • small budget • high reccurent costs • both for Service Providers/Users
Follow-up activities • Development of local content • local information database • expose gambian businesses using e-commerce • development of technical capacity • help higher level institutions (Univ of Gambia) to develop and build capacity • setting up of specialized local academies e.g cisco
Follow-up activities • ICT in schools • build ICT infrastructure • introduce ICT curricular • build E-School network - facilitate distance learning • Development of a comprehensive ICT policy and action-plan