KnowNet aims to popularise and facilitate knowledge networking in developing countries for overall human development through the amalgamation of Information and Communication Technology and remote volunteering. The KnowNet initiative centers around using and propagating ICT models for creating an open system for recognising, valuing, enriching and sharing of local knowledge, in parallel with human capacity building efforts. This will lead to a two-way process of people accessing information and knowledge for development and also information and knowledge finding its way to the probable users. KnowNet aims to empower communities to use ICT models for creating of Livelihood Opportunites, to evolve better Coping Mechanisms, and seek better Governance to improve their Quality of lives, on the basis of their own knowledge and efforts. Both these resources are free and are being put to use through the help of remote KnowNet volunteers.
Many more resources are in the pipeline.
I would like to share with other Fellows this great opportunity to show your organization's activities to the online world. The United Nations have developed the International Year of Volunteers - IYV Web site, including an immense photo gallery where partner organizations can create their own online gallery of photos together with texts. Why not share your innovative projects with the world. This gallery offers space in almost all the different areas covered by Ashoka Fellows and there are also other interesting opportunities that may suit some of you on the IYV-site. This is another United Nations initiative to mobilize online volunteers from all over the world who can help resolve many different kinds of assignments from their home computers.