For anyone searching for info on entreprenuership, staring up a business or material on what type of organisation to start up, there is some simple and acessible info provided at:http://www.brain.org.za. They even have a couple onf inspiring success stories.

I am concerned with the increasing attention given to higher level forms of ICT at the moment. I think that a large proportion of attention must be paid to upgrading capacity in the use of existing ICT that are accessible to any group of people at that particluar time. Ofcourse I realise that technology is constantly forward looking and dynamic but I believe that universality in alleviation of poverty and related empowerment and infomation dispersion programs will be more effective if use is made of readily accessible and widely available forms of ICT such as the traditional radio and TV instead of isolating poorer communities (esp developing countries) by focusing on high tech ICT and highly technical information laws. I believe that it is more beneficial for developing countries to pay more attention broadening content and making it useful than on acquiring high tech ICT when both private and public expenditure programs could be more effeciently allocated.

Here is an example of using media in an effecient way through content management: http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=39962

SI have just read in a daily paper that SOuth Africa is drafting a black economic empowerment (BEE) Charter on (ICT). I am curious as to whether there is any specific youth focus at all in the Charter as it seeks to address key youth concerns such as skills development, employment equity, enterprise development. You may access the full article at: http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?ao=32470

Intel Corporation is funding research at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, to discover appropriate applications and usage models for wireless Internet in rural environments around the world.
For full story visit>
http://www.thestandard.com/article.php?story=20031023221707391

Applications for these grants can be made by any organisation that works with young people aged 12 to 25. Grants will be made for initiatives that enhance youth participation or create opportunities for the development of young people. Grants of up to $30,000 over one year or $40,000 over two years are available.

This program is an initiative of the Foundation for Young Australians.

For more details on eligibiity and the application process, please visit: http://www.youngaustralians.org/