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Internet Republic

Internet Republic

Description of the project:

Internet Republic Project (Rzeczpospolita Internetowa) is an initiative undertaken by TP Group and United Nations Development Programme addressing the need of disseminating the knowledge and skills of responsible and aware use of innovative information and communication technology among rural areas inhabitants. During the project small local communities undertake specific actions intended to overcome local problems. The project aims to promote the Internet as a source of information and a tool of enhancing personal development. The goal of the project is the activation of the local communities through innovative communication and information technologies.

In the first edition of the Grant Project (2006-2007) 70 beneficiaries were supported with financial grants and IT equipment (worth 3 200 000 zl). The number of final beneficiaries exceeded the number of 28 thousand. Second edition of the Grant Project (2007-2008) supported 100 Local Action Groups from all Polish regions with grants and IT equipment. Local Action Groups, functioning around schools, local non-governmental organizations or public libraries, received financial and methodological assistance. Project was implemented under Global Compact Initiative.

The mission of the Grant Project Internet Republic is:

Activation of local communities in order to build civil society in the rural areas

Goal of the Project:

  • development of the rural areas in terms of encouraging local communities to participate in social and economic activity of their region and supporting small enterprises, both agricultural and non-agricultural
  • informatization of local communes through building local IT centres which provide community with computers and internet access; promotion of schools and libraries as centres of local activity
  • promotion of civil society development and knowledge based economy through IT education and building the ICT technical base as tools for small business
  • depiction of model examples of using ICT in the process of improving standards and quality of life
  • promotion of cross-sectoral partnerships and building III sector fundaments in the rural areas – providing support for local non-governmental organizations and informal groups, such as Farm Housewives Association, local common rooms, youth groups.

Measures:

  • Nationwide Grant Contest for rural communes
  • Implementation of the projects by Local Action Groups

Results of the first edition:

  • Project was implemented by 70 local partnerships – Local Action Groups, 6 of them transformed into non-governmental organizations (foundations, associations) during the Project
  • The number of final beneficiaries was 28 452 (16 382 adults, 6 733 young people and 5 337 children); 97 local websites were created
  • 335 trainings were conducted; subject of 70% of them was ICT skills
  • 138 local common rooms, centres and internet cafes providing free internet access were created or adapted
  • 134 households gained internet access.

Partners:

  • TP Group Foundation
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Theme fields of commune programmes

Under the grant project Local Action Groups implement particular projects regarding: education, enhancing strong sides of the region and integration. Priority fields of actions are:

  • Using the internet as a source of information and communication tool which facilitates everyday life and helps find a job or a school
  • Development of hobbies and interests (youth clubs/circles for young reporters, entrepreneurs, university of the third age or life-long learning courses)
  • Inclusion of the libraries making their holding and resources accessible for local communities
  • Creating patriotic attitudes;
  • Fighting social pathologies
  • Ecology, innovative agriculture, local and regional products
  • Tourism promotion (for example agro-tourism)
  • Promotion of healthy life style
  • Fostering and developing local culture, folklore and traditions
  • Creating tolerance attitudes
  • Integration of various social groups
  • Promotion of the rights equality for genders, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities and other socially excluded groups.
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