Funding worries spark fears for telecentre future

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/17/2277235.htm         Country: Australia
Created By: Esther on 11-Jul-2008 5:10 AM

For years now, the question of telecentre sustainability has been on everyone’s lips in the telecentre movement. In trying to find a solution, in came telecentre networks with the belief that the synergy created will provide a lasting solution. Years down the road, even the sustainability of some networks is in its self a problem. But thanks to telecentre.org working with organisations like NESsT, this may not be a worry now.
But why then do we continue to see such headlines as one in the story below about telecentres in Australia just like so many in Africa and other continents. What could be the missing link? I would love to hear what you think. May be together we can change these headlines…

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Funding worries spark fears for telecentre future

Regional telecentres say they need an increase in funding if they are to remain viable in small communities.
The telecentres were established in 1992 to provide services such as internet, printing and community information in towns of less than 500 people.
Each gets $20,000 a year to assist with wages, but are required to cover all other operating costs themselves.
Kalannie Telecentre president Sue McCreery says it has had to reduce its opening hours by five hours a week to make ends meet.
She says closure would be the next step if more funding is not made available.
"I couldn't imagine our town without a telecentre now. It's really like a drop-in centre for the community, tourism, it's just like the hub of our community and all these would have to go off to Perth if we didn't have these facilities," she said.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/17/2277235.htm

Contact Name: Esther Nasikye

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