The inauguration of Village Knowledge and Community computing Center(VDCC) was held at Munnar on 16th August 2009.

Dr. Rathan U Kelkar IAS,Director-Kerala Stata IT Mission inaugurated  the Centre and Sri S Palraj, Vice President- Munnar Grama Panchayat  unveiled the logo and name for it.

VDCC  here after known as Sameeksha – Community knowledge Centre, is a joint  project of SPACE, Kerala State IT Mission,Idukki District Administration and Munnar Grama Panchayat.

Conforming to the earlier discussions with SPACE and KSITM, Munnar Gramma Panchayat identified 10 people  to work at Sameeksha,7 young women  and 3 young men, to be trained as community media team .They will  take the work of Sameeksha ahead.

SPACE  also provided the Ist phase of training to the  team  from 17th to 20th August. More advanced trainings will be provided to the  team in future as required.

Once the   training is over, the team will  produce a range of media content focused on critical social issues using technologies such as radio, video, web and new media to be shared among the community.

Rationale  of Sameeksha project:

It is recognized that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be an extremely powerful tool in community development. Access and control over technologies by the community for computing services and to produce media content offers the potential to accelerate social change and engage large numbers of disenfranchised people, helping them realize their self-worth.

Sameeksha project at Munnar will contribute to the   community to:
 

• Promote awareness and training in basic computing
• Promote awareness and availability of information
• Enhance their self-esteem by enabling them access and use ICT tools
• Increase their community's access to a voice
• Advocate with government and authority
• Enable social issues to reach mainstream media
• Provide a platform for community led change

SPACE will continue to coordinate the Sameeksha project with support of KSITMS and Idukki District Administration.

Find   photos on inaguration and training at our gallery here