Mozzeenet

It is worth noting that even minimal access to basic technology can bring benefits to poor and disadvantaged communities. A recent CNN article Wheels of hope bring internet to villagers describes a project providing high-speed, wireless internet access to rural Indian villages via a mobile bicycle-rickshaw service.

The infothela or info-cart, painted like a traditional temple carriage, is light enough to traverse pot-holed roads between villages and includes special provisions like cushioning to protect equipment. The service includes a teacher who provides training on computer skills. Read more »

I volunteer on Saturday mornings at a community computer centre in Redfern, Sydney. The group is called Redfern Kids Connect and kids from the area drop in to play on the computers and interact with each other and with volunteers between 9am – 1pm. Many of the kids come from indigenous backgrounds and go to school or live nearby. The Redfern/Waterloo area has been troubled over the years with social issues like drugs and crime, racial tensions, unemployment and other problems.

Each week at RKC there are about 5-8 volunteers who help the kids out with computer skills and supervise activities like playing games, making videos, taking digital photos and recording music. Read more »