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Proposal from knightcontest.com

Civic Journalism for Community Empowerment Country:Paraguay

Primary Contact Name

Maria Clara Mernes Ruffinelli

Describe your project

In Paraguay, there are only three major national newspapers and all focused on events happening in Asuncion and involving political and economic elites. In the rest of the country practically no local news sources are to be found, with the exception of 2 cities that have local newspapers and community radios. News sources focused on civil society events are even more rare, almost non existent. NICT has only recently begun to reach rural areas, and only 3,2% of the total population has access to the internet. A recent initiative, OPORTUNET, has established 100 internet connections in poor and isolated communities for public use. There is an urgent need to provide timely and relevant local news, in formats that would empower citizens with information to participate in the decision making process, promoting good governance, and community-building. The main goal is to generate local news from a citizens perspective with the use of new technology. CIRD, in alliance with OPORTUNET, 75 civil society organizations, the Paraguayan Journalist Forum, and community radios, for the first time will promote the creation of 17 local news centers (1 coordinator/editor and 2 correspondents) with their own website for the provision of information from the citizens point of view and a civic journalism on-line training course in Spanish and Guarani; (user friendly for persons with disabilities) reaching 1000 low income beneficiaries, mainly youth, in 17 departments of Paraguay. Beneficiaries will use new technology (web-site and cellular phones) to disseminate their news; acquire techniques for conducting surveys from a citizens point of view; and manage local on-line databases in each of the 17 news centers. During the 2nd and 3rd year, the trained correspondents will broadcast their news on a weekly basis to national news sources (TV, Radio, and Newspapers) and conduct 2 yearly cellular-phone surveys in 17 cities of the country focused on civil society concerns. There will be a final evaluation of the initiative.

Primary Contact Email

claramernes@cird.org.py

Organization or Business Name

Center of Information and Resources for Development

Who would want to use it and why?

Mainly citizens of the communities where the new news centers are established. The project will enrich the local content of Internet in these 100 communities and increase the use of the www in schools, CSOs, educational centers, etc. The new local news centers will be also connected to CIRD’s SC Noticias (a news site with 20,000 regular daily visitors), 6 national radios, 2 national newspapers, and 2 national television channels that will then reach the whole country with local news and internet users interested in civic journalism courses and citizen perspective news. A recent survey revealed that citizens demand decentralized news sources and local content in Spanish and Guarani;. 50% of the population in Paraguay uses cellular phones (5% that uses regular phones) and will receive news in their phones.

Why are you the best person or organization to develop this project?

For 20 years, CIRD has collaborated with a network of 75 civil society groups in the country contributing towards their institutional and management capacities, where communications and civic journalism has been a key component. Through its communications department, CIRD has established strong links with Civil Society Organizations and has organized debates and training sessions in civic journalism with professional and amateur reporters. A special workshop to train amateur reporters in CSOs and small communities has been developed and proven effective. Since 2003, CIRD publishes monthly newspaper, Iniciativas Ciudadanas, covering civil society issues, and owns the only on-line national News Agency focused on civic journalism, SC Noticias, www.scnoticias.org. Last year, CIRD established the country’s first on-line database of the municipal candidates´ financial and political background to promote informed voting in the country, contributing towards transparency and governance. Since 2001, in cooperation with USAID, CIRD has covered diverse issues involving democracy and capacity-building for 75 CSOs, including 9 dedicated to promoting rights of people with disabilities. Throughout this process, CIRD has sub-granted US$ 3,500,000 dollars to CSOs and provided capacity building assistance, training and centralized administrative services. This was accomplished by installing a Internet based management network for proper auditing, reporting, and procedures to effectively channel resources and monitor the implementation of actions. CIRD has worldwide partners such as: Impact Alliance, International Youth Foundation, Inter-American Network for Democracy, AVINA, etc., and more than 35 experienced professionals in the field of communications and civil society, who bring relevant experience to the program. With this project, CIRD’s acquired skills in journalism and NICT will be made accessible to 100 smaller and isolated communities that need access to the world.

U.S. State

Country

Paraguay

What potentially bigger thing might happen if everything went perfectly and the stars all aligned?

Because of its holistic approach, the project would have the following anticipated impacts: a) An innovative model for local news agencies will be installed and proven b) The new model will be replicated in other small communities in Paraguay and South America c) Because of widespread replication the number of beneficiaries will at least triple the number of initial direct beneficiaries d) The 17 news agencies installed will be sustainable thanks to productive partnerships with larger media businesses and Civil Society Organizations e) The new local news agencies will draw the attention of large media businesses f) Public debate surrounding local rural communities’ needs will be positioned into the political and media agenda g) Vulnerable populations that have been isolated from new technology, such as disabled persons, women, youth and campesino communities will incorporate these tools into their day to day activities to promote their rights h) National and local governments will assign a larger percentage of their budget to the promotion of ICT for public use, after seeing the benefits of investing in this sector i) A new style of journalism focused on civil society concerns will influence main media outlets j) Public policy reform favorable to the promotion of new technology in the country as a result of civil society demands k) Community Building and Social Cohesion among diverse groups that usually work in isolation from one another. l) Increased government accountability due to improved access to information m) Local communities identify creative mechanisms to sustain and/or expand the use of new technology for the promotion of social journalism.

How will you be able to measure whether or not your project has really made a difference?

During the first two months, an expert in monitoring and evaluation will gather qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, key stakeholder interviews, and observation visits to establish an initial baseline before activities begin. Also, participants selected for training will be required to fill in a pre and post test so that knowledge acquisition can be measured. In this sense, the evaluator will have established the before and after, so that changes can be measured according to reliable and measurable indicators, that will be revisited throughout the project with the use of the logic model. There will be a mid-term process evaluation after 18 months, to correct any problems in the design or implementation phases, and one final impact evaluation to assess the level of achievement according to the expected results. This evaluation will have a participatory methodology, so that communities may assess their own empowerment within the process and propose any changes for the future. Special attention will also be given to sustainability and use of new technology within the communities by direct and indirect beneficiaries. The evaluation results will be displayed in one final event where beneficiaries, partners, media, and other key stakeholders will be invited. Main indicators will be; a) % of people with disabilities, youth and women with effective access to new technologies and INTERNET, b) presence and visibility of local news with a citizens´ perspective generated by new agencies in mainstream media, c) number and quality of new business alliances between new news agencies and private businesses, civil society organizations, and larger media firms, d) number and quality of new international alliances and agreements, e) feedback from recipients of local news generated, f) demand for replication, g) annual fundraising Plan designed and Implemented by news agencies, h) number of people that complete the on-line training course in civic journalism.

Web site

Center of Information and Resources for Development

Requested amount from Knight News Challenge

$2650000

What unmet need does your proposal answer?

Recent government sponsored studies say INTERNET has only reached 3.2% of Paraguay’s population, the lowest percentage in S. America and 4 to 5 times lower than the world average. This initiative will improve INTERNET access by establishing satellite technology in 2 additional points, currently isolated from telephone or internet connection. It will also add content with local value in recently established OPORTUNET sites. It will improve access by providing proper training for PWD, youth, adults, women, and illiterate individuals; to marginalized groups, who in a large percentage have been excluded from economic development and from access to information on their rights as citizens. The project answers to the need to promote civil society groups and grassroots efforts that most directly benefit the population in need. The project specifically promotes the establishment of local news centers in smaller communities across the country, that are excluded from news media because of the concentration in the capital city Asunción. The digital gap between Asunción and the rest of the country perpetuates inequity, for which the project hopes to reduce this digital divide incorporating the latest technology to facilitate the transfer of information and news between smaller cities, to Asuncion and the world. Educational and training facilities are also concentrated in Asunción. The project will take training to at least 1000 youth in smaller communities with on-line courses in civic journalism and news-reporting accessible from anywhere in the country through INTERNET and especially through OPORTUNET’s tele-center access points. The use of multi-media to display news stories web-sites, will be an innovative method to reach individuals who do not write or read. There are no public or private entities in the country that have mainstreamed PWD in their ICT/educational programs, for which this project will pilot a special software and equipment made to reach deaf and blind individuals in 4 news centers.

Total cost of project, including all sources of funding

$2850000

What specific, unique opportunity do you see that will make this project more successful than others trying to fill that general

The introduction of cellular phones as the most popular means of communication in Paraguay, especially among youth, creates an opportunity for low cost dissemination of news. Local news produced by the 17 news centers will be sent to cellular phone users. Also, news correspondents will be trained to send digital images and text from their reporting site to their local news centers. The use of this technology overcomes the current barrier relating to high long distance call costs for wire telephones, the non existence of a national postal service and high transport costs. NICT now allows alternative news media to develop with lower initial investment and lower production and distribution costs. This can change the news media market by providing local content to news on the INTERNET and challenge the current monopoly of media businesses in Asunción. The improved elementary educational level of smaller communities provides enough literate youth to work as local reporters and news agency managers. The lack of public policies addressing the digital divide issue has kept the poor excluded from NCIT. The project will create a national network with diverse sectors involved in civic journalism for the interchange of experiences which will advocate for policy changes. This bottom-up approach makes the project feasible, with technology as the means to break the isolation of many poor communities. Citizens will have a network and platform to organize and demand changes from their government concerning social, economic, and technological reform. By disseminating the results of MIDAMOS, www.midamos.org , a municipal performance measuring tool, the news centers will promote citizen´s role as watchdogs to monitor municipality´s actions in the communities they serve.

Expected amount of time to complete project (in whole years):

3years

How will people learn about what you are doing?

The CIRD will promote the overall initiative, its impact, and the news generated by new local news centers through its monthly newspaper called Iniciativas Ciudadanas that reaches key sectors in the media, businesses, universities, political leadership, and non-profit organizations with a monthly circulation of 2000 printed copies and 5000 on-line subscribers. CIRD will also update on a weekly basis its on-line News Agency called SC Noticias that is visited by 20,000 individuals every month. CIRD will also promote the initiative by sending news articles and materials produced during the project to international allies such as International Youth Foundation, Poder Ciudadano, Impact Alliance, AVINA, among others. A specialist in video production/documentary will be hired to film the 17 news centers experiences with real life stories, documenting, on-site, the best practices throughout years 2 and 3. This material will be edited in Spanish and Guaraní, with subtitles in English and sign language interpretation, so that a broad audience may be able to appreciate the impact of new technologies and civic journalism on the lives of small communities. This material will be displayed during the last promotional event, available in CD ROM format (500 copies). Since, 5 new news centers will pilot a complementary newspaper edition with a civic journalism focus, the community at large will also be able to read and know of the existence of this local news center and newly established websites. These newspapers will be produced and distributed every 3 months among local key stakeholders. A nationwide outreach and communications campaign will be designed and implemented during years 2 and 3, with national radio, television, and print media so that the general public will understand and keep track of project results. Project coordinators will consult beneficiaries and allies during the design phase of the campaign, so that messages are appropriate to target audience, making use of video, print, photographs, graphics, web-sites, blogs, audio, etc.

Do you have any other funding or investment? We’re interested in knowing who else is interested in your project.

In the financial realm, CIRD’s board, composed of six members will contribute its time to attend to the proper development of the proposed project and its oversight. CIRD along with its partners and beneficiaries will contribute a total of 7% of the total cost of the project in form of inkind contribution, relating to use of office infrastructure, technology, executive staff, software, etc. Also, there are two other projects that will add synergy to our proposal. On one side, USAID is cooperating with CIRD in a Civil Society strengthening program that includes the use of communications and CIRD’s news products. The USAID sponsored Civil Society Program has allowed CIRD to develop web sites and products that will serve as a base for the promotion of the new local news agencies to be installed. USAID funding can cover office facilities in Asunción, use of computers and office furniture for coordinating and administrative staff, and educational materials/books already designed on civic journalism. On the other hand, Fundación Paraguaya leading the OPORTUNET initiative, will contribute technological equipment and internet costs for 100 points that have been subsidized by a USAID grant during 2 years, ending in late 2008. The beneficiaries/communities to whom OPORTUNET provided connectivity will contribute their computers and facilities for the 17 news agencies, even though necessary upgrades will be financed by this proposal to reach the desired impact. At least 10 participants from each of 83 OPORTUNET sites are also contributing their own time as volunteers for the 17 news centers.

Are you working with anyone else to complete this project? If so, please give names and what they would do?

These 3 organizations will be working in Alliance with the CIRD to implement activities, contributing with their local knowledge of the areas and expertise, improving in this way the service delivery to the target population ORGANIZATION: Fundación Paraguaya Project OPORTUNET CONTACT: Juan Urraza-ICT expert for OPORTUNET ROLE: As one of the leaders in the country in establishing internet access in rural and remote areas, this organization will be in charge of coordinating and implementing the technological aspect of the project with the 100 internet points involved, facilitating the initial contact with communities being targeted. They will also be in charge of the monitoring the actions in conjunction with the CIRD, so that activities are implemented as planned. ORGANIZATION: The Paraguayan Journalist Forum CONTACT: Susana Oviedo-President ROLE: As the main forum of experienced journalists in television, print, radio and internet, this forum will be key in hosting the three day visit of the trainees to major media outlets in the capital city during the 2nd year. This will allow for the trainees to not only experience on the ground the daily activities of experienced journalists, but will also facilitate future collaboration. This will contribute to the objective of creating contacts to position local topics in the national media agenda. The forum will also participate in the organization and facilitation of the national network meetings. ORGANIZATION: Community Radio Network CONTACT: Roberto Urbieta-Executive Director of Fundación Paraguaya ROLE: They will be a key player during the outreach and communications campaign, granting air time for the dissemination of public service announcement and conducting in person interviews to promote the concept of civic journalism through new technologies and overall results of the project. They will also be beneficiaries of the grant money, since many are part of the OPORTUNET initiative; accessing training and equipment to improve their services.

Who else is working in this area? How does your work fit into the larger context of work in this area?

Paraguay has yet to develop a national ICT action plan, which means that actions have been isolated and insufficient to cover the needs of the population. However, non-governmental organizations dedicated to improving the overall livelihood of vulnerable populations by reducing the digital gap have invested in expanding internet technology to isolated sectors of the population. Fundación Paraguaya, with the OPORTUNET project has focused on establishing alliances with internet providers to bring this technology to rural communities in 100 strategic points, of which many are community radios and CSO´s focused on promoting the rights of PWD. Thus, the CIRD in coordination with Fundación Paraguaya will be taking advantage of these new internet sites and alliances with individuals already interested in journalism and minority rights, so that civic journalism can actually be the means to achieve other social benefits. There is a larger effort to promote democracy and transparency of local governments in the country, as part of the national action plan to fight corruption and the achievement of the Millenium Goals, which has had the support of support of the Paraguayan State, USAID, UNDP, European Commission along with civil society organizations that work in these topics such as: Tranparencia Paraguay, Alter Vida, CIRD, etc. The project would complement efforts in this sector, since greater access to information would empower citizens to demand their rights, improving their capacity to influence policy making at the local level. It is expected that trained correspondents will use the new technology to disseminate governmental actions to improve transparency. Also, the National Council of Science and Technology has slowly pushed forth educational activities to promote the use of new technologies, for which this project is based on expanding the need to educate the population on new technology with a strong hands-on approach and media campaign.

What do you guarantee will happen if you complete the activities in this proposal?

1)Baseline of stakeholders involved completed to measure progress and impact of project.
2) 17 Local News Centers focused on civic journalism established and operating with 3 trained personnel. Of these 17 news centers, 5 will pilot their own print edition of news from a citizen´s perspective distributed every 3 months.
3) 17 newly established local websites focused on civic journalism and using new technology to display their news to diverse stakeholders. These local websites will use multi-media to display stories. News updates will be sent directly to national and local contacts, as well as cellular phone users in Paraguay.
4) 51 rural and urban youth with strengthened capacities in civic journalism, the use of new technologies, and multi-media. A total of 18 workshops will be delivered with each of the 3 chosen beneficiaries from each news center in: Introduction and Advanced Civic Journalism, Use of New Technology and Multi-Media for Civic Journalism, News Correspondents, Rapid Survey Techniques, Democratic Values and Ethics in Journalism, Entrepreneurship and Fundraising.
5) Local news with a citizen´s perspective from 17 departments are strategically positioned in at least 6 national radios, 2 national newspapers, and 2 national television channels
6) Outreach and Communications campaign on the value of new technology for community building designed and disseminated annually. (this includes the creation of a video documenting the experiences of beneficiaries during the project)
7) A multi-media training program on civic journalism in Spanish and Guaraní adapted for on-line users and for people with disabilities.
8) 1 network focused on civic journalism for joint collaboration established among the 17 local news centers, journalists, and CSO´s involved.
9) Transfer of best practices and know-how between national journalists and local trainees.
10) Results of the 4 national surveys on civil society concerns disseminated through local news centers.
11) Local news stations establish alliances with local and international partners.

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