Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Community Empowerment through Non-formal Education

In 2003, the UNESCO project Asia-Pacific Programme of Education for All (APPEAL) met with participating countries to develop action plans for improving the delivery of education and skills training through ICTs, in order to alleviate poverty and improve quality of life. This report summarises results of the 2003/2004 implementations of these action plans with case studies from four participating countries:

• Thailand: Inter-village Connectivity and Empowerment through ICT in Rural Areas
• Sri Lanka: Multi-purpose Community Telecentres for Community Development
• Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR): Radio Broadcasting, CDs and Village Development
• Uzbekistan: ICT Applications for Non-formal Education and Community Empowerment

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), according to this publication, offer not only opportunities for training, but "for progressive social change, the strengthening of human intellectual capacity, and the formation of modern lifestyles." ICTs can, the report argues, offer the best opportunities for positive change when "specifically adapted to local needs, priorities, and circumstances." 

This publication outlines the use of ICTs including radio, television, telephone and fax, in addition to computers and the internet. All of these, it argues, can be drawn on for communication and learning.