The second edition of the PAFF's “ICT for Local Development” Program was inaugurated in Warsaw on September 18, 2013. The ceremony was attended by almost 30 third sector representatives from villages and small towns.
The aim of the “ICT for Local Development” Program is to broaden knowledge and skills of non-governmental organizations’ employees and activists in practical use of modern information and communication technologies. The program comprises an educational component and a support system, including financial aid, for a group of selected non-profit organizations.
In August, thirty organizations from small communities submitted their applications to the second edition of the program which offers a specialist training package, ICT Mobile Advisor support and access to grants, among other things. The Competition Commission selected the following 15 organizations that will participate in the program: the Local Fund of Śnieżnik Massif, Foundation for the Collegium Polonicum, Green Line Association in Babia Góra, Qltura21 Foundation, Dalkowskie Hills Agreement Foundation, Safe Haven Association, Science for Environment Foundation, Art Foundation, ARTS Adventure and Pleasure Foundation, Dolina Kacanki Local Activity Association, Union of Żnin District Residents, W.A.R.K.A. Foundation, Sokółka Local Fund Foundation, Great Heart Sub-Carpathian Association of Foster Parenting, Border Social and Cultural Association and Bonum et Sapientia Foundation.
The inauguration of training workshops took place in the seat of the Polish-American Freedom Foundation on September 18, 2013.
The role of new technologies in modern world and the resulting opportunities for NGOs were discussed by Bartosz Sokoliński of Technologie.ngo.pl portal who gave the inaugural lecture. Later, the participants attended the specialist workshops for local NGO representatives and candidates for ICT Mobile Advisors. After completion of these workshops, they will be eligible to apply for grants earmarked for purchase of equipment, while the new Mobile Advisors will join the network of technological advisors rendering free of charge services for organizations in villages and small towns.
More information about training courses for NGOs, Mobile Advisors Network and the “ICT for Local Development” Program can be found at:
