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Technological empowerment
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Jordan embraces the digital age
Advances in the fields of technology
have brought rapid progress in global communication. In certain conditions, this can be a positive
force for sustainable human development.
Jordan
has embraced the world of ICT and the infrastructure is in place to ensure that
most communities have access to internet either at home, or through schools and
community centres. The national education system is undergoing reform for a
knowledge based economy and there are hopes that the country will become a
regional hub for IT services.
However, there are still significant numbers of people who are excluded from the benefits of the digital age. Poverty is
major factor. Few poor people can afford the necessary initial investment
in hardware and updates for software and, above all, the fees for broadband
internet access. Although internet cafes
have sprung up in even more remote villages, these are mainly frequented by
young men. In traditional communities, it is considered
inappropriate for women to spend time in such locations. Parents are often
worried that unsupervised access to internet might place their daughters at
risk. Yet these barriers will create
further exclusion for people who already feel marginalized from development. It
is essential that action is taken to
bridge the digital divide.
Knowledge Stations bridge the digital divide
In response, JOHUD has established
computer centres with internet access in many of their community centres. Women of all ages can sign up to learn to use
the main software packages, and also to develop self-directed learning through the
internet. Young people can catch up on schoolwork using the ICT equipment, and
parents can become more involved in the education of their children. Local graduates
from science and technology can find employment locally and transfer their skills
back to their community. In all, JOHUD has Knowledge Stations in 20 of the CDCs, and new facilities are opening in 2008 and
planned for 2009.
Multi-media projects
JOHUD helps people access a wide range of ICT-based media and helps
them to become producers and creators as well as consumers. At ZENID
has a recording studio where young people create their own music, and a
film studio where they can produce their own films. The 'Sura' project
encourages young people to use digital cameras to capture the reality
of their lives.
Radio Farah al Nas: From the heart to the people
In July, 2008, Farah al Nas was launched, reaching out to the people of Amman
and Zarqa, and broadcasting in Arabic on 98,5FM, Radio Farah al Nas officially went live at 6.30pm
on Tuesday July 29th with an interview with HRH Princess Basma bint Talal.
Farah
al Nas is jointly owned by JOHUD in partnership with the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW). received initial support from the international media development NGO,
INTERNEWS. All three share a common vision: to empower people with the news and
information they need to make better choices, to connect with others, and to
make their voice heard.
Taking to the airwaves
The PBYRC team at ZENID operate a radio production unit that makes
public service announcements and social marketing programmes. In 2006 /
07 they broadcast more than 15 shows of interest to a youth audience on
the Sabaha programme on Fun FM. On the basis of their success with
these initiatives, JOHUD was awarded the license to operate a radio
broadcast station -Farah Al Nas -in partnership with INTERNEWS and the
Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW).
The INTEL Clubhouse - engaging youth with ICT
The Jordan Intel Computer Clubhouse,
based in Hashemi Shamali, provides over 300 young people from an underserved
community with a constructive after-school environment where they can explore
their creativity and to learn about ICT.
Using the resources of the clubhouse, members have the opportunity to
create digital artwork, design websites, produce and edit short videos and
music CDs. The Clubhouse also serves as a model for teachers and community
leaders to use more creative approaches to technology and education. See project details below.
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Facts & figures
2006 / 2007
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20 Knowledge Stations operated in JOHUD CDCs
300 young people are members of the Intel clubhouse in Hashemi Shamali
JOHUD supports the setting up of the INTEL Clubhouse, now available to the 6,000 residents of Mleih
40 broadcast programmes made by JOHUD's independent radio production unit Autostrad
More than 15 small films made in partnership with local projects - on issues related to key topics such as domestic violence, democracy, women's rights.
Music CDs,
films and other products widely distributed
Jordanian
young "ambassadors" attend Teen Summit in Boston
Shatha Al Hmoud,
won the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network Clubhouse to College Scholarship, -
and is now studying Marketing at Mutah
University.
Three clubhouse
movies screened at 2007 Jana
International Film Festival for Children & Youth,.
Ali
Bassam, clubhouse member , won second place for "the Walk
Working on
that film gave me confidence. When I
think that one day I might not be here, they will remember my work.
I feel
happy that I am leaving my fingerprint in the club house”
Amer, clubhouse member who made films with friends
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Farah al Nas: the channel of choice for the people's voice'
HRH Princess Basma opens the radio station, July 2008 stating:
"We hope Farah al
Nas becomes the people's radio, where they can express their concerns and
contribute their opinions".
"Women and youth play an important role in the radio station, both
as listeners and as contributors.
"We want to represent diversity of opinion,
and give a balanced and constructive set
of views. Farah al Nas is all about responsible dialogue".
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JOHUD Projects:
COMPUTER
CLUBHOUSE
A creative
technology program for Jordanian youth
Project
title: JOHUD Intel Computer Clubhouse
Partners: INTEL, Museum
of Science in Boston
and MIT Media Lab, IYF
Purpose: To enable youth from underserved
areas to access ICT tools for self development
to achieve personal and professional success in life.
Connecting
youth with the world
The Jordan
Intel Computer Clubhouse, based in Hashemi Shamali, provides over 300 young
people from an underserved community with a constructive after-school
environment where they can explore their creativity and learn about ICT. Using the resources of the clubhouse, members
have the opportunity to create digital artwork, design websites, produce and
edit short videos and music CDs. The Clubhouse also serves as a model for
teachers and community leaders to use more creative approaches to technology
and education.
The Jordan
Intel Computer Clubhouse is one of 110 clubhouses around the world that form
the global network of Computer Clubhouses that are based on a concept developed by the Museum of Science
in Boston and MIT Media Lab in the USA. The young people of Hashemi have now joined a
virtual "community of learners" - young people, mentors and staff, who all use
technology as a tool for learning and creative expression. They also act as ambassadors for creative ICT
here in Jordan
and in the wider world.
Using technology
as a communication tool
The
clubhouse is an important centre because it gives Jordanian youth
access to resources they may not otherwise find in their homes, their
community and their schools. It encourages them to express their
thoughts and ideas to both their local communities and "virtual
communities". Through the activities in the Clubhouse, the children
learn how to use software applications to pursue future careers. This
enables members to experience what it might really be like to be an
engineer, scientific researcher, computer programmer, architect and
other professions in the modern work place. It gives them a taste of
possible futures, and reduces the obstacles to their achieving their
goals.
What sets
the Clubhouse model apart from many other ICT programs is that there is no
formal teaching programme. The young members are encouraged to explore the
software at their own pace and according to their own interests. They are
guided by mentors who help them if they need support, but mostly they just work
away on individual or on group projects. This unique, learner-centred approach is one
of the main reasons why the programme is still very successful and the members
remain motivated: even 3 years after it
was first established, the Clubhouse is still full every afternoon
 Hatem Al Hmoud (16 ) Sanaa Al Banawi (15) and Amer
Hijjawi (13 ) at the Teen Summit in August 2008 in Boston,
Massachusetts. They joined 300 others
from 20 countries in a global Teen Summit, hosted by the Intel Computer
Clubhouse Network. The three youth leaders were chosen for their outstanding
leadership skills, technical and creative ability, and contributions to their
community.
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