Empowering SHGs in Kenya and India through ICT for better education and alternative livelihood opportunities

The overall objective of this project is to empower Self Help Groups (SHGs) to identify viable livelihood opportunities in order to improve their socio-economic status whilst bringing the wellbeing of the environment into the equation. This will eventually make those communities more resistant to environmental and economic chock. ICTs will provide an important tool in acquiring information and learning, but also to new market opportunities.

ICT will be introduced in parallel with education following the Swedish adult educational form – ‘Folkbildning’. The fundamental idea of folkbildning is to help people acquire tools to improve their own life situations. It is a bottom-up learning process where participants are considered active, able and responsible agents in their own learning. The values of folkbildning, regardless of participants and subjects studies, remain focused on equality, personal growth and responsibility, strengthening of citizenship and democratic process. Folkbildning will make a suitable tool when underserved communities actively identify opportunities and the knowledge they need to acquire, both in basic education and ICTs.

Project Duration:
March 2007 - February 2010