Group 3

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Group 3 Discussions

Chiatoh began the introductions, and introduced the Academia Network as part of ACALAN (African Academy of Languages). The process started in 2000 and formal operations began in 2002. Location is Bamako, Mali, and main characters are the Presidency in Mali and African Language researchers. The challenge was the need to promote African langauges in education and cyberspace. Series of events includes a suggestion from the President of Mali, followed by unanimous acceptance of the need for the creation of a continental framework. Turning point was the formal creation of ACALAN as one of the instruments of the AU. Chiatoh's memership of ACALAN comes from his contribution (through his organisation) to reflections on the place of African languages in cyberspace.

Cissy continued by introducing the Ntulume Village Women's Development Association (NVIWOMDA). It was formed in 1987 with the vision of empowering the marginalised women economically -- through entrepreneurship training/technological empowerment, provision of micro-credit support, and information sharing. It is located in Kampala, Uganda and works with Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in 11 districts of Uganda. NVIWOMDA members joined the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), which trains small business women and CBOs in the use of ICTs in order to bridge the gap in information sharing, networking and the ability of Ugandan women to participate in, and access the regional, international and global market. Cissy joined WOUGNET after participating in a workshop in the US, and after reading an article about Dorothy -- which naturally led to continued discussions.

'Gbenga told the African Youth ICT4D Network (AYIN) story. He said the network was officially launched during the African Regional WSIS Preparatory meeting in Accra (Ghana) in February 2005. He stated that the network does not have a physical location at the moment, and that much of the work is done through the AYIN website and the Bureau mailing list. The formation of AYIN was built on the need for young Africans who are active in the Information Society to be able to share resources and reduce unnecessary duplicity of efforts. Beginning with diverse efforts of various young people working independently from various countries, ECA created the African Youth in the Information Society mailing list that was moderated by Paradigm Initiative Nigeria. Before the Accra formal launching of AYIN, bureau members were selected to manage the process of creating a sustainable and efficient African Youth ICT4D Network. AYIN sees the Harambee project as a turning point, which will help connect the network with possibilities such as organisational development, capacity building and program support.

After the stories, we discussed network commonalities. These include:

- visible passion along thematic lines (youth, women, academia)

- obvious role of networks in meeting existing needs (increased awareness on gender inequality/women empowerment, active youth participation/empowerment through ICTs, academia intervention in Africa's languauge needs)

- development and communication challenges;

- lack of relevant capacity;

- lack of adequate resources (people, infrastructure, finances, etc).

We moved on to the challenges faced by each individual as a network coordinator. 'Gbenga mentioned language issues, and decreased motivation of active youth noting the fact that they are volunteers and need to make a living from other jobs/involvements. These were eventually accepted as general challenges. Other general challenges were resources, sustainability, donor conditions and lack of government support.

Chiatoh belives that his excitement as a network coordinator comes from contribution to social change. Cissy is excited about the opportunity to help women change their attitudes (for example, moving from "hating" computers to loving and using them). 'Gbenga is of the opinion that the African Youth ICT4D Network is a dream come true -- helping create a platform for a convergence of the individual efforts of various youth within the Information Society, and helping to connect other young people to policy processes and action.