St. Lucia – Case Study Caribbean Internet Forum – October 2008

Current Situation Technology Centres: Technology Centres: –Established in several underserved communities –Small (up to approximately 20 persons) –Primarily access to computers/tutoring; limited connectivity Current Pilot project – Establishing Community Technology Access Centre Current Pilot project – Establishing Community Technology Access Centre

Pilot Project Community Technology Access Centre – Primary Services Community Technology Centre – Other Services (optional) Access to computers Internet Access Tutoring After-school program activities Adult education courses Printing services Scanning/Photocopying Services Video conferencing facilities Conference room Workshops Church youth programs Use as examination centre Access to multimedia equipment Government Services Under the umbrella of Community Technology Access Programme

Approach 1. Selection of community : Soufriere 1. Selection of community : Soufriere –One of the island’s most mountainous and densely populated areas –Large pool of children/youth: 17% of the population of Soufriere is within the 5 to 14 years old age group; 28% is in the age group (Government Statistics Department 2007 Mid-Year report) –At the end of 2007, almost 14% of the population of Soufriere was unemployed

Approach 2. Focus group meetings 2. Focus group meetings –Mothers & Fathers groups –Principals/Teachers of schools in the areas –Businesses –Youth & Sports organizations –General community meetings 3. Needs Assessment 3. Needs Assessment –Workshops: community organisations –Access by schools in community –Access by special education students –Use of centre as examination centre –Tutoring –etc. 4. Finalisation of community selection 4. Finalisation of community selection 5. Selection of general steering committee; community management committee 5. Selection of general steering committee; community management committee

Community Access Centre Management structure Community Access Programme Steering Committee Community Centre Management Committee Community Access Centre Full-time management staff consisting of: Centre Director Assistant Director (optional) Community Technology Centre (no full-time staff) Community Technology Centre (no full-time staff) ……… Support Staff (e.g. technical personnel, tutors, volunteers, etc.) Comprised of individuals from Government agencies Some key responsibilities: Obtain support for activities Monitor and assess progress Arrange for resources Assist with business plan development Set policies concerning management Comprised of individuals from the community Some key responsibilities: Supervision of the activities of the Centre Promoting collaborations within the community Assist in the development of Centre-specific policies Management/Administration of Centre’s budget Other administrative/staffing issues of the Centre

Pilot Project 6. Construction; Selection of Centre Director 7. Course development; Timetable development; Finalisation of MOUs; etc 8. Other simultaneous relevant activities – development of legislation 9. Anticipated start date – January/February 2009