Volunteer opportunities to close the digital divide in India?

November 17, 2007 8:15 AM

Please suggest programs in India that work to close the digital divide.

I currently work for a non-profit organization that strives to close the digital divide with youth in my community who qualify for the free lunch program (we are in the USA). I have previously volunteered for a non-profit based in my community that set up a computer lab in a town in rural Guatemala-- I taught an introductory computer skills class for adults there. I plan on traveling to India (perhaps Nepal) in 2008. I would like any information or tips regarding volunteer opportunities involving computers over there. Anyone know where I should look?

posted by val5a to Technology (5 answers total)

Try Geek Corps ?
posted by iamabot at 9:53 AM on November 17, 2007

The One Laptop Per Child initiative has not garnered the official support of the Indian government, and yet, through private sources, a small Indian demonstration project is now live. Perhaps you could work to get funding for additional sites, and carry OLPC into areas you will visit? It's more than just supplying the devices, however.
posted by paulsc at 11:22 AM on November 17, 2007

I recently read in the New York Times about an innovative social networking site called babajob.com that endeavors to connect the poor (without computers) with job opportunities. While this is not directly connected to children, it might be an interesting organization to connect up with if possible while you're in India. They're definitely "working to close the digital divide". Here's a link to the NYT article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/technology/30poor.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1195329608-AwIjwhFjbCiglZEvVaV/+w

Good luck!
posted by just another other at 12:04 PM on November 17, 2007

here's a list of articles on open education resources and digital divide initiatives in India--most of the articles will have links to organizations.
posted by RedEmma at 4:24 PM on November 17, 2007

Response by poster: Cool. Thank you everyone! I think these suggestions are all going to help get me started.
posted by val5a at 5:21 AM on November 28, 2007