Keep it simple, real, useful, and keep on learning

Written by Miguel Raimilla, Vice President, OneRoof Inc
Thursday, 05 March 2009
(This article was published in the Telecentre Magazine 1st Anniversary Issue) Often, telecentres and telecentre networks spend too much time, energy and resources searching for 'the killer application', 'the unique service' that would make the whole difference to the world. Many times we focus on technology too much, giving very little attention or no attention at all to what is 'the incidental key factors' for telecentre success. The key element of success for many of those experiences is often related to the people running the telecentre. So, telecentre operators have the responsibility to provide first and foremost a good experience with technology. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind: Make your telecentre a welcoming place Keep your telecentre clean and organised. No matter how big or small your telecentre may be, do your best to make it look good. Welcome everybody and invite those who may not want to your technology. Make a special effort to make your telecentre safe for women and children. Create simple system of memberships, build on the idea of a direct connection/association with your telecentre. Show that you appreciate your users. Use what is appropriate in your culture to demonstrate that. Smiles and thank yous always work wonders.
Read more...

PhilCeCNet now a full-fledged legal entity

Written by Administrator
Monday, 02 March 2009
The Philippine Community eCenter Network (PhilCeCNet), a multi-sectoral partner of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) in the implementation of the Philippine CeC Program, recently acquired legal personality following its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The announcement was made on Friday, February 27, by Dir. Tess Camba, Executive Secretary of PhilCeCNet and Head of the National CeC Program. Members of the network were jubilant over this latest development and expressed a very positive outlook towards the tasks and challenges that lay ahead now that PhilCeCNet is a formally registered entity. “This is a very important milestone for our organization, and indeed this seal of legitimacy means that we can now go on and work [as] outlined in our roadmap, towards achieving our vision”, says Dr. Angelo Juan Ramos, PhilCeCNet Chair.
Read more...

Written by Angelo Juan
Monday, 02 March 2009
The National Computer Center, in partnership with the Association of Progressive Communications (APC) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), has successfully implemented the piloting of the Gender and Evaluation Methdology (GEM) in two Community eCenters in the Philippines. The workshops were conducted by the Molave Development Foundation, Inc. This innovative, unique, and value process has enriched knowledge and awareness amongst the different stakeholders and participants that ICTs and CeCs are not gender-neutral. While at the surface, women in the Philippines seem more empowered compared to those in other countries in the region, the evaluation has shown that women actually use the Internet and the CeCs differently from men. They have different information and learning needs, and even access the Internet at different times. The pilot study has also shown that CeCs need to be more proactive in promoting its services, and that there is a need to communicate more to members of the community, particularly with groups such as farmers, fisherfolk, businessmen and senior citizens.
Read more...