Dear GKD Members, We would like to inform you about a new initiative, Equal Access, which uses ICT to empower people in developing countries as they face the challenges of globalization.
It is now clearly understood that the ability of individuals to improve their economic and social conditions in the global economic environment is based as much on access to information as access to economic and social assets. The Equal Access initiative aims to provide information and education to underserved rural and regional areas in the developing world. Our mission is "To Utilize Information Communications Technology to Build Global Learning Networks and Sustainable Communities." Equal Access is incorporated as Global Equal Access, which is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization. **Overview** HIV/AIDS affects the poor disproportionately. Of the 36 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS, ninety percent are in developing countries. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is inextricably entwined with issues of disempowerment of women and girls; vulnerability of children; lack of basic resources like clean water, food and sanitation; high rates of illiteracy; and lack of pertinent and critical information. **UNDP-Equal Access HIV/AIDS Prevention and Women's and Girls' Empowerment Project** Equal Access has developed a thorough plan for a compelling pilot project that is partially funded. The project aims to establish 800 community-based broadcast sites in Nepal, India and two other Southeast Asian countries. Locally produced content addressing HIV/AIDS prevention and the empowerment of women and girls will be broadcast by utilizing the WorldSpace Digital Satellite System. This technology and essential services are made available through a partnership between the WorldSpace Foundation (WSF) and Global Equal Access. This partnering expands the efforts to bring information and education for development to remote regions of Asia. WSF has agreed to provide two 24/7 audio channels in Asia to support this project. The technology allows a clear digital audio signal to be received by an inexpensive portable receiver. Equal Access will add solar systems to provide power to project sites in remote regions that lack reliable access to electricity. Future plans for the project include the use of the multimedia aspect of the technology, which allows the receiver, when linked to a computer, to download large files of data, video imaging, text and graphics direct from the satellite, without the need for telephony. **Project Implementation** The Content Group, comprised of a coalition of NGO's, community leaders and local media have produced culturally appropriate and engaging content in local languages. Community based organizations will conduct outreach to orient participants to the program, establish listening groups and learning centers and conduct regular discussions following the broadcasts. Participants will provide feedback on the effectiveness and pertinence of the content. The Assessment Team will independently assess the efficacy of the project. **Achievements to Date** Equal Access, in collaboration with UNDP, helped to conceive, design and plan the implementation of this comprehensive Project. The first component is about to be launched in 200 community sites in Nepal. Equal Access, in conjunction with UNDP, has secured funding for the Nepal phase of the Project from the United Nations Foundation and is actively working to raise additional funds to match a further UNF Challenge Grant for expansion to India and two other Southeast Asian countries. Equal Access has been working closely with UNDP, local media contributors, writers, community based organizations, local recording artists and people living with AIDS to plan for the content production. The Content Development Group Workshop for the Digital Radio Initiative was held in Katmandu earlier in the year. A Project Assessment Team comprised of University of California, San Francisco Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, and a Nepal Monitoring Agency has been assembled by Equal Access and the UNDP. **Lessons Learned** Before designing our project, we considered various approaches of providing pertinent information to communities who need it the most. It quickly became apparent that the Internet is not always a viable or an appropriate technology, particularly as it is limited in its ability to reach areas with little or no telephony or power infrastructure. Alternative technologies, like community radio and satellite based audio and multimedia, are often more effective as they provide wireless access, are inexpensive, readily available and are inclusive of the rich oral traditions of many rural communities. ICT is merely an enabling tool, the effectiveness of which depends largely upon engaging the talents and skills of the communities being served. Collaborative, bottom-up approaches that place the needs, abilities and voices of local community members at the center, are critical for successful integration and maximum utility of ICT. **Requirements for the future** Phase 1 of the project calls for the deployment of ICT equipment to sites in four pilot countries: Nepal, India and two other Southeast Asian countries. The project has been approved for funding by the UN Foundation and the first half million dollars of our grant from UNF is supporting all project components for 200 community based sites in Nepal. We are currently seeking $500,000 in private sector funding which will allow us to access an additional $500,000 pledged by the UN Foundation as a Challenge Grant for the project roll out in India, and two other Southeast Asian countries. **For more information** To learn more about the Equal Access-UNDP Initiative and the Challenge Grant, please contact us via phone at (415) 561-4884 or at [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can also visit our website at http://www.equalaccess.org Ronni Goldfarb Executive Director Equal Access 415-561-4884 ph 415-561-4885 fax ------------ ***GKD is an initiative of the Global Knowledge Partnership*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: <http://www.globalknowledge.org>
