What are the main objectives of the project?

The project set out to define the extent to

which contemporary ICTs could deliver sustainable human development to remote rural communities in Sarawak. It aims to identify further needs and opportunities within such communities that can be satisfied by the innovative use of ICTs, and through action–oriented measures, to demonstrate how significant and sustainable development can be achieved by remote communities through such implementations.

How to implement the idea?

The project was undertaken against the background of the Government’s aggressive adoption of ICTs for national development and the underdeveloped infrastructure and scattered population of Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak. It has as its rationale the delivery of equal access to ICTs for those remote and marginalised communities that characterise rural life in Sarawak, and which contain more than half of the State’s population. Many such communities are un-served by road and have access to meagre or non-existent telecommunications services. The objectives were to demonstrate that access to ICTs, specifically the Internet, could precipitate significant improvements in the lives of such communities.

The research intended to introduce computers systemically so that they could be used to improve the living conditions of the entire community. Computers are introduced systematically beginning with the school. Two computer labs at the schools and a community telecentre have been established in the area. The telecentre is established with the intention of providing community access to computers and to the Internet. Central to this strategy is two measures: to provide the community with access to the Internet and assess the impact that would have. As part of the program, the researchers spent time with members of the community in order to understand their living condition, their culture, the existing uses and accesses to information sources and their needs for improved information delivery. Baseline studies were conducted in order to understand the conditions of life in the community. In this way a number of prioritized proposals for information systems utilizing the Internet were agreed upon with the community representatives.

Why Bario?

From the start of the project, the team realized that there would be no shortage of candidate communities in Sarawak that would satisfy our criteria for a rural, remote location. A series of happy coincidences lead us to Bario in the first instance. Bario was chosen for the research on the basis that; it is highly isolated and remote, and that UNIMAS is known to the community from previous research into the bio-diversity of its locale. The community in Bario readily expressed its willingness to participate. The intention, however, is to work with several remote communities throughout Sarawak.

Who’s included?

The project includes what we call the district of Bario, consisting of the 12 communities that can be found within a 3 1/2 mile radius of Bario Asal, plus the two schools, SMK Bario and SRK Bario. According to available statistics, this includes a population of almost 1,000 people. The communities are: Bario Asal, Arur Layun, Arur Dalan, Pa’ Ramapuh, Pa’ Derong, Bued Main Beruh, Padang Pasir, Kmapung Baru, Pa’ Berang, Pa’ Umur, Pa’ Ukat and Pa’ Lungan.

What has the team done so far?

The team from UNIMAS has visited Bario many times since April 1999. The first phase of the project consists of what we call baseline studies. These involve a variety of interviews and surveys that will help the team get to know the community in detail. It also intended that the community get to know the team as well, because we think it is important that community members play an equal and active role in what we do. From our baseline studies we are able to generate a socio-economic profile of Bario.

The implementation phase was carried out soon after the baseline studies. This involves the transportation of equipment, power supply, dealing with language, accommodation for people and equipment, and familiarization of the beneficiaries. The novel circumstances affecting the project required creative responses from the team. The participatory approach adopted by the team help to facilitate flexibility and adaptability among the community and the implementation team, contributing to the prospects for sustaina. More information can be obtained unders Design and Implementation.

Who’s paying?

UNIMAS has secured a grant of around RM200,000.00 from the International Development Research Council (IDRC) of the Canadian government and an amount of RM620,000.00 under the Demonstrator Application Grant Scheme (DAGS) from MIMOS Berhad.

Does the team have a vision?

We share a vision that Sarawak will be a developed, competitive society, where information for social development will be accessible to all instantaneously. There will be a network of successful community information and communication centers, which will form a new type of community hub. Sarawak’s people will be equally empowered to attain sustainable community development regardless of gender, age, ethnic and religious identity.

...and a mission?

The team’s mission is to provide community access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) through community information and communication centers for independent and self-directed learning from local and global electronic sources. Additionally, the initiative seeks to establish and test a sustainable and replicable rural smart school model. The provision of learning and networking opportunities provided by the initiative will stimulate local capacities for informed decision-making to enhance personal, institutional and community development in the areas of agriculture, education, health, culture and economy.

What’s happening at the schools?

We have set up two computer laboratories, one at the primary school (SK Bario) and another at the junior secondary school. We have also installed an Information technology Literacy Programme (ITLP) for both students and teachers.

How is the community participating?

We have established what we call a steering committee, consisting of community leaders and project team members. The committee will make all important decisions relating to the conduct of the project. In addition, some community members have assisted the team in gathering data as well as participating in brainstorming sessions to help generate ideas.