Digital inclusion
Meet the Common Room Networks Foundation, an Indonesia-based organisation committed to maintaining a space for freedom of expression and community empowerment that utilises arts and culture, ICTs and digital media.
The following two reports from GISWatch 2024 Special Edition explore pathways for addressing the digital divide as well as the impacts of digitalisation when marginalised populations are overlooked in decision-making processes.
This issue brings together instances that show the success of community networks, but also some indicating that currently there is a gap, and help from a range of stakeholders is needed in order to successfully support communities to bridge the digital divide.
Community networks in Africa stand as beacons of innovation and resilience. Through a series of four webinars, Tanda Community Network along with APC and and Rhizomatica's LocNet initiative helped with capacity building and explored such networks' challenges, triumphs and how to support them in bridging the digital divide.
Community-centred connectivity alternatives are offering reliable services at affordable costs in areas left behind by large telecommunications companies. But their journey shows why rethinking financing for connectivity is an important step towards bridging the digital divides.
The hybrid events guide contains a wealth of information to help organisers think strategically about what is required to effectively plan and run a hybrid event, and create a space that is inclusive and welcoming for all who engage regardless of modality.
By being rooted in their own communities and encouraging collective articulation, a community network can became a catalyst for rethinking digital spaces and build more inclusive practices – as the pieces collated for this issue show.
Learn about the Portal Sem Porteiras community network, an initiative by residents of a rural neighbourhood who are promoting community-centred connectivity, local content creation and technological innovation in Brazil.
The upcoming NETmundial+10 meeting will be an important space to ensure that civil society priorities and perspectives are strongly represented and build on APC’s historical engagement in key internet policy and governance processes.
Recently, Hello World, in partnership with APC and CITAD, offered training on the Hello Hub connectivity model to community organisations in Nigeria. This process shows the power of partnership, knowledge-sharing and the leadership roles of community members in offering connectivity alternatives.
Association for Progressive Communications (APC) 2022
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