Comments on: Volunteer opportunities to close the digital divide in India?

Question: Volunteer opportunities to close the digital divide in India?

val5a — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 08:15:48 -0800

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?

By: iamabot

iamabot — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:53:40 -0800

Try Geek Corps ?

By: paulsc

paulsc — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 11:22:46 -0800

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.

By: just another other

just another other — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:04:09 -0800

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!

By: RedEmma

RedEmma — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:24:41 -0800

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.

By: val5a

val5a — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:21:28 -0800

Cool. Thank you everyone! I think these suggestions are all going to help get me started.