Grant Amount: US$ 8,994

Keywords: INTERNET, CAPACITY BUILDING, COMMUNITY, TELECENTRE, SOLOMON ISLANDS

Geographic coverage: Solomon Islands

Objective

The objective of this project is to pilot a distance learning facility in one of Solomon Islands' rural community high schools.

Research context

This project used an existing rural Internet connection through the rural development and peace information and communications technology (ICT) initiative, The People First Network (PFnet), to pilot a distance learning facility in one of Solomon Islands' rural community high schools. The project entailed the design and application of a distance learning programme that was configured to integrate with existing PFnet facilities. It studies the impact of the email station on the wider community, focusing on particularly vulnerable groups such as women and young people. In doing so, this project provides an example of a PFnet application, as well as valuable baseline data for the further expansion of PFnet to all rural areas of the country.

Target beneficiaries

Beneficiaries of this project are the remote rural communities that suffer most from deficient transportation and communication networks. The project enables professional and commercial linkages, economic activities, civil society participation and government services. Indirectly, PFnet benefits organizations working in rural development, allowing them to improve their operations through better logistics and information exchange, while improving the living conditions of their staff in remote locations.

Outputs

• Distance Learning ICT Centre established in a rural area as a model application for the national PFnet programme;
• The University of the South Pacific (USP) Distance Learning Programme adapted and optimized for PFnet, including field-testing using an established PFnet community email facility and confirming that it can be successfully expanded to other rural areas with the growth of PFnet;
• Increased understanding of the impact of ICTs on rural populations;
• Outreach to vulnerable groups who are not accessing the services;
• Baseline data for expansion of the network;
• Building the ICT capacity of teachers and students of Sasamungga Community School; and
• Project monitoring.

Research results and outcomes

This pilot project used a participatory process throughout its implementation. Stakeholders were consulted through focus interviews, evaluations and workshops. Based on their input the project developed a practical model of how ICTs benefit the education sector. The project results provide valuable baseline data on the impacts of the distance learning centre and the general impact of the email facility on the wider community. Education providers, such as the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education and PFnet as well as USP, can use these results to further develop the model and expand distance education at the national level.

The success of the project is illustrated by the fact that the 19 students who directly took part in the three-month training are now confident computer and email users. Of the students who responded to the questionnaires, 68 percent said they would like to study further. As foreseen, the project also had a number of benefits to the wider community as it provided easy and affordable communication to individuals, local businesses and organizations. The email station improved access to medical services for the people of Sasamunga by enhancing communication and coordination between the local hospital and other health providers. Local businesses actively use the email station to contact their suppliers, place orders, check prices and for basic banking. Finally, it was noted that the centres improved communication between rural people and their relatives and friends within the country and abroad. These results demonstrate what may be the most important outcome of the project, that people in rural areas are ready and capable to successfully adopt these new skills and technologies not only for education, but also to improve themselves and their communities.

The successful completion of the distance learning trials and research findings culminated in a series of summits and workshops between the stakeholders to find ways to improve and maintain the distance learning model. These events provided collective and in-depth inputs useful for further expansion of the programme. For example, the need for additional research to collect first-hand information that could inform more effective planning and implementation of policies aimed at reaching and improving the lives of the rural population was identified. It was also noted that for rural people in the Solomon Islands, access to funds to meet school fees is a common problem. While during the project implementation, student enrolment fees were supported by the national parliament, it was suggested that a broader scholarship scheme be put in place so that interested students from rural areas could continue to study through distance learning programmes. Minor problems were also identified, particularly with the distance learning trials. The project saw that these issues could be resolved by developing a standardized approach with the distance education provider and PFnet. A number of more detailed recommendations for improvements in the programme were made, primarily relating to continued build up of technical capabilities and expanding the range of training areas for users and tutors.

The project promises positive ongoing results for rural communities throughout the Solomon Islands. Based on its findings, a national Distance Learning Centre project was designed and is being implemented for the Ministry of Education with funding from the European Union (http://www.schoolnet.net.sb). The results of the research also made it possible for a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) system to be set up in a community high school in each of nine provinces of Solomon Islands. The system allows schoolteachers, students and community members to have full Internet access for studies, research and distance learning. Finally, the research findings contributed to the development of a national information technology curriculum and the development of e-government in Honiara through the Ministry of Finance.

Duration

Start Date: February 2002
End Date: June 2002
Total Duration: 5 Months

Contact information

Alan S. Agassi, Executive Chairman
Rural Development Volunteers Association
Department of Provincial Government and Constituency Development
Anthony Saru Building, 5th Floor, PO Box G35, Solomon Islands
Telephone/Fax: +677 23288
Email: rdva@pipolfastaem.gov.sb

Website: http://www.peoplefirst.net.sb

Related website: http://www.schoolnet.net.sb