ArabDev
Encyclopedia
ArabDev is a Giza (Egypt
)-based non-profit organization that uses Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to "promote existing development projects and for innovative developmental initiatives". ArabDev provides women and youth with an educational venue for livelihood opportunities, through improved access to information and its use in skill development as well as small and micro enterprises.
and in the wider Arab
region. ArabDev seeks to support ICT capacity-building among disadvantaged communities and grassroots organizations to get access to better work and life opportunities.
, has reported recent initiatives to spread free software
among youth in the disadvantaged south of Egypt. The group reported working with two middle schools in the Al Menia governorate, and also with the Faculty of Computer Engineering of the Menia University.
For this project, the goal is to establish a "core group" of FLOSS
users in the Menia governorate, which could act as a south Egyptian "diffusion point".
So far, it has created computer labs or telecentres in some schools, which also offer their services to the community. In the Association for Progressive Communications
report for 2005-06, it was stated that ArabDev reached an agreement with the Egyptian education department to collect fees, so as to make this venture sustainable.
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
)-based non-profit organization that uses Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to "promote existing development projects and for innovative developmental initiatives". ArabDev provides women and youth with an educational venue for livelihood opportunities, through improved access to information and its use in skill development as well as small and micro enterprises.
Formation
It was formed by its member NGOs, both in EgyptEgypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
and in the wider Arab
Arab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...
region. ArabDev seeks to support ICT capacity-building among disadvantaged communities and grassroots organizations to get access to better work and life opportunities.
Focus
Its focus includes, using ICTs for:- Poverty reductionPoverty reductionPoverty is the state of human beings who are poor. That is, they have little or no material means of surviving—little or no food, shelter, clothes, healthcare, education, and other physical means of living and improving one's life....
. - Skill development.
- Dissemination of developmental information.
- Creation of linkages between NGOs.
- Supporting developmental advocacy.
Current initiatives
ArabDev, which is a member of the Association for Progressive CommunicationsAssociation for Progressive Communications
The Association for Progressive Communications is an international network of organizations that was founded in 1990 to provide communication infrastructure, including Internet-based applications, to groups and individuals who work for peace, human rights, protection of the environment, and...
, has reported recent initiatives to spread free software
Free software
Free software, software libre or libre software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions that only ensure that further recipients can also do...
among youth in the disadvantaged south of Egypt. The group reported working with two middle schools in the Al Menia governorate, and also with the Faculty of Computer Engineering of the Menia University.
For this project, the goal is to establish a "core group" of FLOSS
Floss
Floss may refer to:* Dental floss, used to clean teeth* Embroidery thread, machine or hand-spun yarn for embroidery* Fairy floss or candyfloss, alternative names for cotton candy* Rousong, i.e. meat floss-Computing:...
users in the Menia governorate, which could act as a south Egyptian "diffusion point".
So far, it has created computer labs or telecentres in some schools, which also offer their services to the community. In the Association for Progressive Communications
Association for Progressive Communications
The Association for Progressive Communications is an international network of organizations that was founded in 1990 to provide communication infrastructure, including Internet-based applications, to groups and individuals who work for peace, human rights, protection of the environment, and...
report for 2005-06, it was stated that ArabDev reached an agreement with the Egyptian education department to collect fees, so as to make this venture sustainable.