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Role of Students in Bridging the Digital Divide

Learn about the IT problems facing Africa and how you can help solve them. Register for a FREE CONFERENCE , April 6, 2001.

The MIT-AITI is honored to extend you an invitation to our 1st Conference on the "Role of Students in Bridging the Digital Divide", scheduled for April 6th, 2001, in Boston, Massachusetts at MIT. The MIT-AITI Committee, the advisory board and the entire organisation sincerely hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your knowledge on the Digital Divide, as well as your personal perspective of the efforts being undertaken to solve the problem.

The panel discussions will provide you with leading-edge information on the Digital Divide. The conference will address two main objectives. First, to raise awareness about the digital divide - its gravity and consequences. More specifically, we will address the opportunities present for students to assist in closing the widening gap of digital inequity. We will examine various student-led initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide, and pay close attention to the challenges and impact of these efforts. In the course of the panel discussion, we will exchange ideas on successful approaches used in the past, and brainstorm on future methods. The second panel discussion will focus on corporate support for student initiatives on bridging the digital divide. In this panel discussion, we will examine the role of corporate support in enhancing student-led projects on the digital divide. Why should corporations - both in the US and in Africa - be interested in bridging the digital divide? What would it take to obtain corporate support in funding student-led initiatives? Are there any preconditions for such partnerships or funding? What evaluation criteria or milestones need to be considered in proposing a compelling, high-impact project? What has been the corporate involvement in the past? What were the lessons from such past projects? We will also discuss projects which have addressed digital inequity within the US, and examine which solutions can be applied to developing countries.

To conclude the conference we will showcase an MIT student-led initiative addressing the digital divide: the MIT-AITI Project. We will present an overview of the MIT-AITI project: its history, goals, successes and future initiatives.

Our opening keynote speaker is Dr. Nicholas Negroponte founder MIT Media Lab whilst Dr. Nii Quaynor , CEO Network Computer Systems Ghana will deliver the closing speech. We also have a host expert panelists who will discuss critical issues pertaining to the digital divide. We are excited about the opportunity to present these internationally recognized individuals to our 2001 Conference attendees, and thank all our sponsors, the MIT Graduate Office, the Chancellor's Office , the Provost's Office and the MIT-Media Lab for there ongoing support with this endeavor.

We invite you to share a magnificent day of education, experiences and networking with faculty, student and industry. The objective of the AITI Conference ­ bridging the divide is achievable through your participation!

Yours Sincerely,

MIT-AITI Committee