ICT and media give people in developing countries a voice
People who can make themselves be heard are better capable of actually changing their circumstances. Hivos supports partner organisations that focus on the use of ICT and media for the development of individuals and societies. ICT and media help to fight poverty and to promote democratisation, human rights and freedom of expression.
The ICT programme was set up in 1999. Yet before then, Hivos was already a frontrunner in ICT. Over the years, the ICT support offered by Hivos has developed alongside the possibilities. In the beginning, partner organisations were primarily encouraged to work on computers and communicate by E-mail. Now, however, the ICT programme is considerably more ambitious, and Hivos concentrates on the strategic use of ICT, in order to bring about an inclusive information society: a society where nobody is excluded.
ICT is not an objective for Hivos, but a tool. The underlying assumption is not technology as much as it is the partner organisation’s own objectives. This approach is rather unique. The idea is to help partner organisations achieve their goals more easily, faster and better through the clever use of ICT. Some examples:
In Malawi, the organisation Yoneco sends mass text messages to teenagers and young adults, giving them information about HIV/AIDS. In Nicaragua, SIMAS collects scientific and technical information about sustainable agriculture and makes it structurally available in electronic form. In India, microfinancing institution Nasix uses small handheld computers for all its transactions with its rural clients.
Hivos uses ICT and media to give people in developing countries a voice, and to ensure that those voices are heard. Hivos believes that availability of information and knowledge can help to improve the position of poorer people. Based on that belief, the programme promotes a free flow and exchange of information, knowledge and contacts. It also helps to create open, democratic opportunities for political debate and participation.
However, this global ICT explosion will not end poverty and inequality of its own accord, even in the virtual world. That is why Hivos works with partner organisations to formalise human rights and freedom of expression on the Internet. Independent media are a crucial factor in social change and democratisation. Citizen journalism, for example, is an instrument for giving voice to other views.
Hivos offers partner organisations in developing countries active assistance in the following areas: the strategic use of ICT; knowledge exchange; new media; the use of the possibilities offered by E-mail and the Internet for advocacy and networking; the use of the economic opportunities offered by ICT; campaigns for cyber rights, e-governance and freedom of expression on the Internet; and research and innovation.
The programme is largely carried out by providing direct financial aid to partner organisations. On top of that, Hivos itself carries out specific programmes, if possible with strategic partners from the donor world or the private sector.
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