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Workshop for staff and volunteers of Multi-purpose community centres, Windhoek 15 to 16 February 2012
Kavango, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Karas, Caprivi, Omusati, Kunene Regions. Habitat Research and Resource Centre, 247 Claudius Kandovazu Street, Katutura, Windhoek - 15 to 16 February 2012
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The UN in Namibia has been working with Multi-purpose community centres (MPCC) in close cooperation with the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology since 2009. The overall objective of this workshop is to expand the knowledge, practice and to provide access to information in multiple formats to rural communities. A number of centres from the following respective regions: Kavango, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Karas, Caprivi, Omusati and Kunene confirmed there attendance.
The result of need assessments, trainings and pilot projects carried out at several centres, helps to put together a collection of reference material to assist future volunteers and managers. The material serves as a guideline to centres to become catalysts for community voice and people-centred development. The material further provides a wealth of choices in improving their capacity to service delivery, to provide materials in various formats to meet the needs of the respective communities, to act as a communication and information platform and to address ownership challenges as well as issues of sustainability.
The reference management collection comprises of 10 posters and a CD - ROM with relevant user – friendly guidelines and resources for MPPCs. The most important task of a resource centre is to make information available and encourage people to use it, by offering a range of information services. Information services should improve access to information, not only for people who can come and visit the resource centre, but also for those who are based far away, or who cannot come in for other reasons.
The primary focus of those involved in the pilot projects is to present best practices in activities that fulfil the community needs and that can generate funds for Multi-purpose community centres. Moreover participants will have hands-on experience in finalizing the mission statements and management structures for their centres. The measurable result of this workshop / meeting is to develop an ACTION PLAN for each center present. Finally, the UN Information Center (UNIC) in Namibia will presents an opportunity to expand centres knowledge of evaluating networked information services and resources.
This initiative lies within the framework of UNESCO's contribution towards the promotion of community participation in sustainable development through community media. It seeks the realization of Millennium Development Goal 3 on gender equality and women’s empowerment focused on Media related issues entitled: “Setting things right towards gender equality and equity”.
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