Peace Corps' ICT Initiative
At a Glance

Overview

The Peace Corps continues to increase its focus on Information Technology (IT) as a way to meet development goals. Recently, the IT name was changed to Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in order to expand the definition of technology to include radio and television as well as computers and the Internet. More and more frequently Volunteers are asked to use many different forms of technolgy in their project assignments.

The ICT project sector continues to grow. More countries are suggesting that Volunteers be assigned to sites where they will engage in ICT work as their primary, rather than secondary project activity. Host country partnering agencies are requesting Volunteers with greater technical skills than in the past, often asking that Volunteers arrive with a degree in computer science and experience in networking, programming, and/or hardware/software maintenance.

Global Implementation

Teaching basic computer literacy skills, e.g., word-processing, spreadsheets, basic accounting software, Internet use, Web page development skills, continues to be the most prevalent ICT activity across the Peace Corps world. Volunteers teach basic computer skills to local government officials, teachers, NGO staff, youth groups, women, and other community members. Many posts are beginning to integrate ICT into their project plans, suggesting that they recognize the value of using technology to reach development goals. The increased integration into project plans also reflects posts' intentions to formalize Volunteers' ICT activities.

Africa Implementation

In Africa, Volunteers also helpd to establish computer labs and organize computerized record keeping and accounting systems. Volunteers in PC/Camerron, for example, used computers for budgeting, launching feasibility studies, credit and database management, while Volunteers in Kenya created a computerized loan tracking system. Several Volunteers also focused on Web page design and the troubleshooting of computer hardware and sofware problems. Some Volunteers in Africa hosted radio programs that discussed issues related to youth and health.

---

IT and Development links

ICT in RIM/Region

Guide for other PC (How to)

Steering Committee report:recommendations

Training manuals

AOL Peace Pack Stories

GMC stories (pen pals, etc.)

-- Disclaimer: The content of this web site is a project of the volunteers in Mauritania and does not reflect any official position of Peace Corps or the U.S. government. --