In South America, people living in the 'favelas' (elsewhere called 'slums') face extreme social and environmental problems.
The Committee for Democracy in Information Technology (CDI) establishes computer centres and teaches local people about how to use technology to improve their lives.
Hundreds of success stories clearly show this is a good practice approach at responding to the aggravating problems found in mega-cities around the globe.
CDI's founder, Rodrigo Barrio, had started his own successful technology consulting company while still in school in Rio de Janeiro. Eager to erase the digital divide and help disadvantaged people use technology to improve their communities and their lives, he created the first citizens rights and technology school in a slum in Rio de Janeiro in 1995. Soon, CDI was born.
VIEW THIS INSPIRATIONAL 8min44 VIDEO @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecpYn17nZIU
The Committee for Democracy in Information Technology (CDI) network now includes 753 Technology and Civic Engagement schools in 10 countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. CDI has helped transform more than 1 million lives. |
| "At CDI we not only work with transforming each of the individual lives, but also on making groups of students work together to change something in their community." Florencia Estrade, Director of Global Strategy "When I had my first contact with a computer, I saw the doors of the world opening up for me as a huge opportunity. Because not only did they teach us computer science, but many other matters were discussed in the classroom." CDI student |
| At Vision Summit 2008 in Berlin, I asked Rodrigo over a coffee what kind of projects young people initiate. "For example, youth were annoyed by the huge amount of trash polluting their river. So, they used ICT to launch a city-wide poster campaign asking citizens to care for their river. Within just 12 weeks, this initiative successfully involved the entire city. Since there was still trash coming down the river, youth started taking the campaign upstream to six other cities. Within a few more weeks those cities were also transformed in awareness and lifestyle change to a point that the river has become sufficiently clean to enjoy it. And it stays clean." |
This is just one example, and we can imagine countless more. It can be so simple. But it is not only about technology. In many places, administrations set up computer centres, and kids just play computer games and chat. Pleeease - come up with some imagination - add a dose of enthusiasm, spirit and vision for social change to make people remember their shared wishes and priorities!
HEY! THIS CAN WORK ANY PLACE ON THE PLANET!
Connecting ICT centre initiatives with inspired social entrepreneurs would be a good start! The first step would be to bring administration, social entrepreneurs, young leaders, students together. Maybe by calling for a BarCamp or Open Space Conference inviting some key people. Adding a campaign in media and schools asking citizens and youth about their prioritiy issues helps getting them involved from the start.
Ah, personally, I would give priority that the core people are FUN ;) So that the inspiration and enthusiasm may not be quenched by people driven by old school worries and parental know-it-all and control atttitudes.
YOU CAN FIND DETAILED INFORMATION @
http://www.cdi.org.br (official website)
http://www.digitaldivide.net/articles/view.php?ArticleID=379 (article)
http://www.stockholmchallenge.se/data/c_d_i_committee_for_democ (project description)
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