Digital Dividend Digest vol. 21 April 23,
2003
CONTENTS
1. "Quick Look" at Datamation's Train-and-Hire
Program
2. New in the Digital Dividend Clearinghouse:
NETPOST and the African Digital Legal Library
3. Special Opportunities: Reminder
DM2003 Call for Proposals Closes May 2, 2003 and The 2003
APC Betinho Communication Prize
4. Two Minute Survey (we promise):
Real-Life Internet Access in Developing Countries
1. "Quick Look" at Datamation's
Train-and-Hire Program
In India, low literacy rates, traditional gender roles, lack
of marketable skills, and lower educational levels make it
difficult for women to find employment, especially skilled
or technical jobs. Through an innovative public-private partnership
program, Datamation Consultants Pvt. Ltd. is using IT training
to extend job opportunities to women from socially or economically
disadvantaged backgrounds. Datamation works with local nonprofit
partners to give these women the training they need, and then
recruits successful trainees for full-time jobs within the
company. Read more 
2. New in the Digital Dividend
Clearinghouse: NETPOST and the African Digital Legal Library
Three new projects have been added to the Clearinghouse since
our last edition of the Digest. Among the highlights are:
NETPOST:
The Nigerian Post Office (NIPOST) will soon create an Internet
network between the country's post offices that will turn
them into cyber cafes.
African
Digital Legal Library: The project is setting up an African
Online Library on Law applicable in 16 French speaking countries
in Africa. Business law will be the priority since the public
availability of legal information would contribute to a better
business climate for private investment and thus for alleviation
of poverty.
3. Special Opportunities:
Reminder DM2003 Call for Proposals Closes May 2, 2003 and
The 2003 APC Betinho Communication Prize
Reminder DM2003 Call for Proposals Closes
May 2, 2003: Development Marketplace, a grant program
that identifies and funds innovative ideas in development
around the world, is now accepting proposals for its 2003
competition. The theme for this year's competition is "Making
Services Work for Poor People." The competition is open to
all, and proposals must be submitted online by May 2, 2003.
For complete details, click
here
The 2003 APC Betinho Communication Prize:
The 2003 prize recognizes outstanding information and communication
technology efforts that are improving the lives of people
and communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. The USD
$7,500.00 prize will be shared among up to three winning initiatives
from civil society organizations, community-based groups,
networks, and social movements anywhere in Latin America and
the Caribbean. The deadline for nominations is August 15,
2003. For complete details, visit
the Web site or e-mail betinho@apc.org
4. Two Minute Survey (we
promise): Real-Life Internet Access in Developing Countries
Digital Dividends is collecting on-the-ground data about the
cost and usage of Internet access in developing countries.
The data will be used to inform decision-makers in a position
to improve current Internet services. If you use the Internet
in a developing country, please take two minutes (just two
minutes!) to complete this quick survey.
Simply reply
to this message and type in your answers, or fill out
the survey online
1. Where do you live? [Please be
as specific as you wish]
2. How much time do you spend on the Internet
each week? [e.g. "Two hours per week"]
3. Where do you access the Internet?
[e.g. A cybercafe, a telecenter, a local organization, home,
work, etc.]
4. How much do you pay per hour for your
Internet access? [Please specify currency]
5. What services (e.g. e-mail, chat,
news) do you use most often? [Please be as specific as you
wish]
Thank you! The results will be published in a future edition
of the Digest.
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