13 March 2000
INTERNATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN MARCH
It is estimated that more than 40% of the country's young people between the ages of 14 and 35 are unemployed. The latest information technologies can come to their rescue when a national youth information and training network gets established. The network is planned by the National Youth Commission (NYC). in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), youth organisations, universities and other stakeholders. They are organising an international planning conference to design the network. It will be held on 14 and 15 March at ESKOM Megawatt Park Conference Centre, Sandton.
The conference will be opened by Minister Essop Pahad and the SADC sector head responsible for information, Dr Renato Matusse, will be the main speaker. A number of delegates from SADC countries will discuss the structure of the network and its extension throughout South Africa. The latest technology available for distance training will be demonstrated and exhibited.
The network is called the Youth TechKnowledgy (YTech) Network. The aim of the YTech project is to create an integrated youth network that will provide community- and context-specific training and education to even isolated rural youth. It will also make the NYC's existing Youth Information Services directly available to most young women and men in the country.
According to the NYC commissioner responsible for these services, Max van der Wath, the network is unique in the region, although models abroad have been taken into account. "The network could make a considerable difference in the lives of many young people without hope of employment and training. It will also bring important information within reach of youth in all areas of the country."
The proposed network will consist of both an Internet-based network and a range of Internet-linked centres throughout the country. At these "telecentres" as they are called, trainees will receive interactive distance training and education. They will also be supported a local trainers, employers, youth organisations and other stakeholders. Where Internet connectivity is not available, written and oral information will be provided.
HSRC research has shown that the telecentres can be used to considerable advantage by youth in developing countries. They not only provide interactive training and education on a large scale, but also employment opportunities for the young people who are employed at such centres. In a country such as Senegal more than 9000 centres of various kinds are mushrooming across the country, and more often than not they are staffed by young women and men. The closing date for registration is 6 March 2000.
Information is available from Mishack Gumbo, tel. (012) 5492824, cell 0822022124, fax: (012) 3472590. Postal address: YTech, PO Box 1284, Wingate Park 0153.
Issued by: National Youth Commission
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Full provision will be made for media facilities at the March conference. It will be arranged to have interviews with speakers in isolated rooms during the conference.
An opinion article on the network and youth information needs by Max van der Wath will be made available. A project position paper and more information can be found at the conference Web site: http://www.hsrc.ac.za/corporate/conferences/ytech1.html
Conference outcomes
The general outcomes of the conference are a survey of the network area and issues, and proposals for YTech implementation. Specific outputs are:
Stakeholders
This is an opportunity for a range of stakeholders to become involved in a national project that could empower young people in ways that could change their lives. Stakeholders include youth organisations, training providers, youth workers, ICT companies, distance educators, the media, government, libraries, etc. Where possible existing youth networking initiatives will be co-ordinated and extended to the SADC region and beyond.
Conference attendance
Attendance will be limited in order to ensure an output-driven conference that will not consist of academic-type papers, but the presentation and workshopping of models and proposals that will result in implementation. Delegates will therefore be selected on the basis of their possible contribution to the network on a national, provincial or area level. A maximum of two delegates with a mandate from their organisation should be nominated on the attached form and their attendance should be motivated. More information and registration forms will be sent to the delegates that will be selected. The first delegate on the form will be the contact person and will share materials, information, etc., with the second delegate. Nomination forms should reach the organisers before or on 6 March 2000.
Background information
Delegates will receive the planning workshop report and the project position paper (both can already be supplied by e-mail). The information in these documents and forms are also available at Web site.
http://www.hsrc.ac.za/corporate/conferences/ytech1.html
Working groups
To a large extent working groups will determine the success of the conference and eventually, the network. They will give focus and direction to the discussions, and determine the outputs. Groups' areas will overlap, but as far as possible they will focus on their own areas, viz.:
1. Policy and management 2. Networking and ICTs 3. FET and content
More information about the groups can be found at the conference Web site.
Individuals are invited to join a group by using the nomination form (on request)
Nomination form
A maximum of two delegates have to be nominated on the form, which is available on request and also available at the conference Web site. Please copy the form and return to us before or on 6 March 2000.
ENQUIRIES
Marlene Botha, Cell 0822022124
Mishack Gumbo, tel (012)5492824
Postal address:
YTech
PO Box 1284
Wingate Park 0153
Fax: (012) 3472590.
e-mail for conference:
botha-m@marlin.vista.ac.za
or, if there is no response
cwmalan@hsrc.ac.za