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Mainstreaming ICT into Development Agencies: the role of volunteers

It is common nowadays to promote mainstreaming of ICT in development processes as an empowering set of tools to advance/enhance those processes (for example, the UN ICT Task Force advocates for this). Yet, the actual mainstreaming of ICT into development institutions is lagging a considerable distance behind the generalized discourse. In this respect, some development institutions are starting to take a comprehensive look in examining (1) to what degree they are making full use of the capabilities provided by these technologies, and (2) to what extent is ICT integrated into their project portfolios. The following list suggests specific ICT volunteer contributions, always from a capacity-building approach, that can substantially contribute to the latter[7]:

  • Inclusion during project formulation of specific ICT components deemed to contribute to fulfill goals and objectives of the project.

  • Creation and maintenance of a web site for every project (applying common web site architecture and web hosting services if required by the agency for consistency, economies of scale or branding purposes).

  • Working with project staff to identify and apply relevant ICT applications to the project.

  • Creating/adapt content for the project in various formats (web content, multimedia, presentations, outreach and PR, etc.)

  • Building up ICT capacities of project beneficiaries so they can better participate and feel ownership over the project.

  • Set up a volunteer network for each project to obtain the collaboration of online volunteers in its various activities.

  • Identification of appropriate existing networks (eg. online discussion lists) where project staff can participate.

  • Design or adaptation of online monitoring and reporting tools for project managers and target communities

  • Connecting to knowledge bases and repositories to share project knowledge.

  • Identification of suitable online training opportunities for project staff and beneficiaries.

 

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