Telecentres for sustainable rural development: Review and case study of a South African rural telecentre

Abstract

This paper evaluates a South African rural telecentre that may serve as a 'best practice' model. The paper first provides a brief literature review of telecentres and the role of information and communication technology in economic development. A qualitative evaluation of a case study is presented within the context of sustainability considerations and development outcomes; that is, showing how the telecentre has improved the lives of the rural community at Thabina. Some of the observed economic development impacts are listed in the paper and an attempt is made to capture the essence of the vital links between the use of information and communication technology (technology transfer), human development, education and economic development.

Supporting Sustainability Through Collaborative Awareness Raising – A Case of Sri Lankan Telecentres

“…Based on our findings, we believe that Future workshops may function as a catalyst to this participative process. However, development and transformation requires a longitudinal engagement as has been pointed out repeatedly in the development discussions [3].…”

“…We believe that only through engaging the community in digital literacy projects that are intimately connected to the local context and the specific needs and requirements there, a real transformative change can be commenced. As Breitenbach [3] notes: "People need to and want to be informed in order to be able to take part in their own developmentto become part of the information society". Raising awareness becomes an essential part in community ownership as people need to be aware of what they can do for the TC and what they can get from the TC by actively involving in TC activities.…”

“…Telecentres (TCs) as access points and training facilities to ICTs and the Internet constitute an important strategy in many present day countries in Africa and Asia. In ICT4D research literature, the potential of TCs as central in providing education and other government services in rural areas is discussed [3,15,17,21] recognising the role of TCs as central in endeavours of ICT diffusion and implementation in societies. Even though there seems to exist a wide consensus among policy makers of the relevance of TCs [4,6,9,18], sustainability of these establishments can be questioned, if their existence and operations are not well-grounded in the local community [14].…”

Measurement of tangible and intangible impacts of telecentres on rural communities

“…Such as increased awareness on seeking online job and increased income [5], [33], improved access to civic activities [5], [7], [29], [33], [12], improved postal services, & online bill payments [29], [36], increased trade and marketing opportunities [7] Increased awareness about latest banking transaction [10], [20], [36], Increased small business scale income [3], [4], [14]. Improved users working skills [8], [22], enhanced ICT skill and knowledge [13], [10], [25], [32], enhanced youth skills and their capabilities [1], improved level of education [2], [5], [22], [25], [30], [33], [10], [12], [17], enhanced remittance services [33],increased household income [41], improved health [33], [36], improved service of communications & leisure [33].…”

“…This enhances community development and their social well-being in certain ways. Such as increased self-confidence [3], increased community interaction [3], [21], positive attitude of respondents' towards the ICT development 12], [21], [30], strengthened decision-making power [2], enhanced self-esteem [7], [3], increased sense of belongingness [7], [3], improved better sense of connectedness [7], [27] improved personal relationships [17],greater feelings of possessions experienced by youngster [36].…”