There is no denying that developments in ICTs have huge potential to facilitate and encourage development. The digital revolution can be used to the benefit of those needing access to better information and can provide those who traditionally have been voiceless, to have their voices heard. Yet closer inspection on this topic so far has largely led me to develop a rather grim perspective on the use of digital technology in development, because it often seems to have little real effect.
This is why discovering the Nata Village Blog was so exciting. I stumbled upon this blog through reading Christian Kreutz’s discussion of web 2.0 in the context of development. While there are numerous challenges regarding web2.0 for rural development such as connectivity and lack of skills, Kreutz says the Nata Village blog is a positive case study which shows communities can “communicate their messages and interact with a worldwide audience”.
Nata is a small village of 5000 people in Botswana, which has been extremely hard-hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. With over 400 AIDS orphans and nearly 50% of all pregnant women in Nata testing as HIV positive, the village is taking steps to take control of a fate which seems sure to wipe out most of their population.
Through the help of a US Peace Corp in Nata, Melody Jenkins, and Jon Rawlinson, a Canadian television producer and IT specialist, Nata has become one of the first rural villages to establish its own website to raise funds to fight HIV/AIDS. The website is dedicated to the people of Nata who despite enormous losses and challenges still have the courage and determination to fight the ravages of this pandemic.
The site has stories, photographs and videos about Nata Clinic, features about PLWA’s (People Living with AIDS), village life, youth groups, the Kgosi’s (chiefs) and the professionals involved in the fight to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
As most of the village residents are apparently illiterate, the blog posts are written by Jon Rawlinson & Melody Jenkins, but a camera has been donated to the locals so that they can tell their story through photographs. This is one of the ways in which the site is sustainable and effective – through the local residents’ input. Local residents have said they see the importance for the communities to resuscitate the spirit of self-reliance rather than relying on the government for assistance.
And most importantly, the initiative is having an effect, with funds being donated towards furnishing the clinic, HIV/AIDS education programs, support groups and more.
While the ideal would be a site where residents could play a bigger role in the posting of content, this is still an inspiring example of a locally-run website which is benefiting a rural village, which otherwise would still be struggling to get their story heard or find support for their cause.
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2 comments:
Hey Lauren! Wow, what a great find - its good to see that people are finding ways around issues of illiteracy which are still ridiculously high in Africa (reminds me a little of your own project) Good post - maybe one or two subheads could have helped break up the entry, but nice use of paragraphs:)
Thank you for your kind comments about the Nata village blog. I want to assure your readers that local people are actively involved in our blog. Many have learned to take digital photos while others are being trained to become bloggers. We just received internet connection at Nata clinic so we can now begin training our new computer technician. Our six member local board of trustees manages the website donations on a strictly volunteer basis. Thank you for your support. Melody Jenkins, blogger, technical advisor www.natavillage.org
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