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
