Title: State of ICTs in the South African NGO Sector 2009
Editors: Arthur Goldstuck and Steven Ambrose
Pages: 82 pp.
Publisher: Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT)Date (published): 24/02/2010
Date (accessed): 24/02/2010
Type of information: research survey
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
The State of ICTs in the South African NGO Sector 2009 survey was conducted in 2009 by World Wide Worx, on behalf of the Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT).

The objectives of the survey were to:

Establish the effectiveness of South African NGOs with regard to information communication technology (ICT) usage;
Reflect on how NGOs are using ICT in unique ways within development initiatives;
Establish whether ICT helps NGOs to make a positive difference in serving their constituencies;
Determine if NGOs are being properly served by the ICT industry;
Highlight the ICT resources NGOs currently have, and see how they use such resources;
Review the expectations NGOs have of these resources and what benefits they might gain from such resources.

World Wide Worx interviewed decision-makers at 800 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) spread across the country, representing organisations of all sizes and interest groups.
The 80-page survey report, compiled by Arthur Goldstuck and Steven Ambrose, highlights various interesting technology trends in the South African NGO sector.

The 2009 survey was sponsored by Microsoft and the National Development Agency (NDA).

Title: The Haiti catastrophe: lessons learned from previous operations
Author: Ben Ramalingam
Source: Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Blog
Publisher: Overseas Development Institute (ODI)
Date (published): 19/01/2010
Date (accessed): 21/01/2010
Type of information: blog post
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
In ALNAP, we have worked towards such real-time learning for many major emergencies over the past few years. Our research on earthquakes suggests a number of important considerations for agencies in the operational setting in Haiti.

These include:

* the importance of recovery starting as soon as possible, without prolonging the relief effort;
* the longstanding issue of coordination, within specific delivery sectors such as health, water, shelter and food, and also across the response as a whole;
* the importance of not overstating the risk of disease or perpetuating other ‘disaster myths';
* the value of using cash as a form of assistance;
* the importance of involving local populations in the response, and of taking longer term perspectives on restoring livelihoods;
* to not rebuild vulnerability, but to try to upgrade new constructions to resist future hazards;
* to not expect disaster response to resolve the political problems in Haiti – aid cannot be expected to solve issues such as corruption, poor governance, underdevelopment and social inequalities which made Haiti's population so vulnerable in the first place.
__________
The Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP)
http://www.alnap.org/

Title: Crisis Mapping and Collaboration Between Western and African ICT Developers for Haiti Quake Response
Author: Tadias Staff
Source: Tadias Magazine
Date (published): 19/01/2010
Date (accessed): 20/01/2010
Type of information: article
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
In Haiti relief organizations were facing bottleneck at the airport, but mobile phones and online crisis mapping tools have enabled tech developers and volunteers to collaborate in other unprecedented ways.

via http://twitter.com/kvashee

Title: Haiti Earthquake Response: Bringing Internet Connectivity to Local NGOs
Author: wayan
Source: wayan's blog
Poublisher: Inveneo.org
Date (published): 15/01/2010
Date (accessed): 16/01/2010
Type of information: blog post
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
Over the last six months Inveneo had been exploring expansion into Haiti, building relationships with nonprofits and the technical community to expand our innovative technology model into the country. In the face of this catastrophic earthquake, Inveneo feels an even stronger sense of commitment to improving the lives of the Haitian people. We wanted to offer our services and expertise to help however we can.

via http://twitter.com/downeym

Title: Wireless Technology for Social Change: Trends in Mobile Use by NGOs
Authors: Sheila Kinkade and Katrin Verclas
Pages: 60 pp.
Source: Access to Communication Publication Series Volume 2
Publisher: UN Foundation–Vodafone Group Foundation Partnership
Date (published): 23/05/2008
Date (accessed): 22/11/2009
Type of information: evaluation survey
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
In this second publication in our Access to Communications Publication Series, the authors examine real-life examples of and trends in wireless technology solutions being used to drive change in the areas of health, humanitarian assistance, and environmental conservation. The compelling stories portrayed in this report demonstrate that telecommunications can be a powerful tool for positive change in our world.
Between December 10, 2007 and January 13, 2008, 560 non-governmental organization (NGO) workers participated in a survey designed to demonstrate how NGOs are using wireless technology to help reach various social, civil, economic, and political goals.

Title: Training on Communication and Information Technologies, Employment and Youth: The Case of Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico
Author Editor: Judith Mariscal, Antonio Jose Junqueira Botelho, Luis Gutierrez
Pages: 12 pp.
ISSN: 1544-7529
Source: Information Technologies & International Development, Volume 5, Number 2, Summer 2009, 19–30
Publisher: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Date (published): 10/07/2009
Date (accessed): 13/11/2009
Type of information: peer-reviewed article
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML and pdf)
Abstract:
As information and communication technologies (ICTs) become widely used in most economic sectors, there are increasing opportunities for marginalized groups to join new productive processes. These career advancement opportunities are particularly attractive for poor, young individuals; however, this increased adoption may also widen social and economic gaps by providing few access points to already-marginalized groups. This study examines ICT training by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in three countries in Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Specifically, the study analyzes the use and effects of such training as a strategy for integrating marginalized youth groups into the knowledge-based economy. NGOs may play important roles as liaisons for effective adoption of ICTs. Professional training skills required by current market demands are, undoubtedly, a factor that contributes to the ability of marginalized youth to search for and secure employment. Today, these groups are socially and economically excluded. They face numerous obstacles, including a lack of both the quality education and the skills currently required by industries using ICTs and the support networks to obtain either employment or self-employment. ICT training offers unique opportunities for integrating marginalized youth into the new knowledge-based economy.