Project Leader: Sunil Wijesinghe
Recipient Institution: Kothmale Community Radio Station Radio Listeners Group
Amount: USD 18 940
Duration: 15 Months
Commencement Date: June 2005

Project Abstract

As a pilot project, this proposal provides a framework for extending the current model of community radio and multimedia to incorporate a mobile ICT infrastructure that delivers cost effective access to relevant information and knowledge that can help alleviate poverty and isolation to remote communities in the developing world. This valuable research contribution can be demonstrated to project partners, Governments and NGOs to better understand the potential of mobile ICT solutions, specifically to explore new models of access to a range of locally relevant content.

Appropriate content will see the current Kothmale Community Radio website extended by incorporating a web-based community information, communications and knowledge management system. In order to effectively address poverty, ICT initiatives need to be specifically designed to reach the poor; in other words, solutions need to be purpose-built. This software tool provides a customisable gateway that allows communities to access knowledge sources and services that are tailored to their own information and communication needs.