Infodesarollo Consolidates Telecentre Network in Ecuador
Oct 15 2009, Ecuador [EC], Livelihood opportunities
- Source:
- Bénédicte Marcilly [bmarcilly(at)iicd.org]
- Country:
- Ecuador [EC]
- Sector:
- Livelihood opportunities
More than 120 participants from public and private sector and government met in Quito end September to consolidate the National Telecentre network in Ecuador. The first meeting of its kind, the 2-day event brought together telecentre institutions from all over the country.
Telecentres are widespread in Ecuador – there are estimated to be 500 telecentres already. Most of these operate in relative isolation, and focus on local community development. Infodesorollo aims to build a strong network among the centres to make them an effective tool for development. They also want the network to be recognized as a key ICT actor in the political context in Ecuador and the Andean region.
Telecentres are public meeting places that provide communities with access to information via the Internet and other technologies. For the community, they are a place to meet people and promote local development. For individuals, they are a place to learn skills and network.
During the event, participants exchanged experiences and ideas on operating models, requirements, tools and technologies. One of the aims of the telecentre network will be to promote the telecentres’ services and raise public awareness of their value to vulnerable sectors of society. Next step for the follow-up committee is to organise the structure and functioning of the network.
The event was hosted by IICD partner Corporación Red Infodesorollo, IICD, Telecentre.org, CRISFE, UNESCO and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Telecommunications. For more information, visit http://www.telecentros.ec/portal.