Programme

The STAR capacity building programme in Eastern and Southern Africa aims to increase the capacity of civil society organisations working on HIV/AIDS and micro-finance issues to effectively apply ICTs to attain their goals. Increased ICT capacity among the organisations working in these fields will lead to improved communication with the different target groups, increased access to up to date and relevant information, and increased knowledge sharing among the different stakeholders. Organisations participating in the programme are expected to increase both their efficiency and their effectiveness.

The programme will focus on the sectors HIV/AIDS and microfinance. These sectors have been selected because organisations active in these sectors have the potential to have a significant impact on the course of African development. For this reason, it is essential that the impact of these organisations be maximised.

The capacity building programme is a joint initiative of Hivos and KPN. KPN is the largest Dutch telecom company, with a strong interest in corporate social responsibility. Both organisations share the vision that information communication technologies can greatly contribute to the effectiveness of civil society. The combination of the different skills of both organisations adds significant value to the programme. KPN is an experienced telecommunications company with in-depth ICT knowledge and experience and a wide range of skilled staff. Hivos will contribute expertise on organisational development within civil society organisations to the programme, as well as ICTs & Development expertise, knowledge on the digital divide and country specific knowledge.

The programme aims to implement 8 specific ICT projects at the rate of 2 per year over the course of 4 years. Each specific ICT project will be supported with a tailor-made ICT training.

The programme will also include four regional activities: two regional workshops to increase awareness about the strategic use of ICTs, and two regional gatherings for learning and sharing among the participating organisations. Workshops and gatherings will be separated by sector.

The programme will begin in 2005 and end in 2009.

The participating countries are Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya in Eastern Africa, and Malawi, Mozambique and Namibia in Southern Africa.