The ICT revolution is bringing tremendous benefits to millions around the globe - but is also leaving millions behind, through a lack of access and a lack of relevant applications. dot-ORG works with USAID and USAID partners to help bridge these gaps, especially for women and the disadvantaged.

Project Highlights from Macedonia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Paraguay, Mongolia, and more.

Macedonia Connects (2004-2007)
The project designed and implemented an innovative partnership with the private sector to provide internet connectivity to more than 460 schools and a number of other local institutions, essentially establishing nationwide broadband connectivity. The project supplemented the USAID-funded e-Schools project which focused on making effective use of computers and connectivity for educational purposes. For additional information visit the Macedonia Connects project page.

Kenya e-Legislation Model (2007)
Working with the Government of Kenya and Kenyan parliamentarians, the project helped to design and create comprehensive e-Legislation model laws for Kenya. The e-Legislation is essential to provide a conducive environment for supporting the implementation of Government-to-Business and Government-to-Citizen services. For additional information, visit the Kenya e-Legislation project page.

Paraguay Last Mile Initiative (2005-Present)
The project's primary objective is to extend Internet connectivity to rural and underserved areas of Paraguay, and to provide training in information and communication technologies (ICTs) as well as relevant content. In the first phase of the project, 100 sites across Paraguay were connected to the Internet using wireless broadband technology and creating public telecommunications access centers. These 100 sites included schools, local NGOs, community radio stations and health centers.

The second phase of the project continues to provide training to enhance the use of the Internet and promote sustainability. In addition, the project is developing a Content Management System (CMS) platform and a mobile banking platform. For additional information, visit the LMI Paraguay project page.

USAID/USTTI e-Government Seminars (2006, 2007, 2008)
dot-ORG is coordinating and facilitating the annual USAID/USTTI e-Government seminar. The seminar takes place in Washington, D.C. in the Spring and brings together 20 government officials from around the world for an intensive two-week period of training filled with field trips, participant-led activities, as well as presentations from e-Government experts from the public sector, the private sector, and academia. For additional information, visit the e-Government Seminar project page.

Mongolia Last Mile Initiative (2005-2007)
The project supported the efforts of private telcom operators to bridge the gap in local access to communications in primarily rural, underserved areas of the country. The project's support focused on achieving a sustainable approach -- both technically and commercially -- to providing rural communications in Mongolia and elsewhere. On the technical side, the project tested a wireless technology based on Voice over ViFi (VoWiFi), which is a mobile version of the increasingly popular PC-based VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). For additional information, visit the Mongolia LMI project page.

eCenters of Kyrgyzstan (2005-2007)
To better serve the needs of populations living in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan, seven existing commercial computer centers (cybercafes) located across the country were converted to "eCenters" most notably by implementing an innovative computer training and Internet browsing subsidy program. For additional information, visit the eCenters project page.

Read more about dot-ORG's Ongoing Activities.

Lead Organization: Academy for Educational Development (AED)