 |
|
|||
 |
Since 1999, Kothmale Community Radio (KCR) has been serving as an interface between the rural communities in the central hill region of Sri Lanka and new communication technologies through its Community Multimedia Centre (CMC). The eTUKTUK is a community building initiative that aims to converge the technological benefits of digital communications and new media with community radio. The eTUKTUK is a self-contained mobile telecentre and radio broadcasting unit housed within a three wheeled motorcycle. The mobile design of the eTUKTUK provides access to the most geographically remote areas of the Kothmale region. By taking access directly to the villages and presenting it to users in a familiar environment, the technology is made less daunting. Those who are unable or unwilling to travel large distances can also benefit from the experience. With the assistance of trained operators, the barriers of language and illiteracy can be overcome and the benefits can be focused on the most disadvantaged in the community. The operator acts as intermediary between individuals and the technology providing encouragement and assistance when necessary. Moreover, the objective of the project is focused on those sectors of the community marginalised through gender, caste, ethnicity and other factors that make participants feel they have no proper place in ICTs and ICT initiatives.
|
||
