CONNECT A SCHOOL, CONNECT A COMMUNITY

Bringing broadband connectivity to schools is a first step.  Access to a broadband connection gives educators a chance  to significantly redesign curricula, making use of newly available resources, research tools and student collaboration mechanisms.  The availability of appropriate content and curricula fuels the incorporation of broadband-enabled resources into educational programmes.  There are particular needs for content addressing the interests and needs of, for example, women and girls, persons with disabilities, and indigenous people, among others. Beyond educational settings, if content and tools are made available to address specific populations, there may be opportunities for the community as a whole to take advantage of those resources, whether in a school-based telecentre setting, or through the longer-term benefits of meeting students' needs as they grow into adult members of society.  Such opportunities not only meet specific community needs, they also strengthen ties between the school and the community.