Finding a voice through content creation

It is widely appreciated that information and communication technology can provide new and interesting channels for civic, political and community involvement. In this chapter we outline our research into participatory content creation programs supported by ICT-equipped telecentres. We examine how to equip these communities to speak with their own voices on advocacy, poverty reduction and social change. The ability for individual citizens to make their voices heard in the public sphere using digital platforms and applications is used by proponents of ICT to support investment in technology infrastructure development programs. Although agencies such as UNESCO have placed significant emphasis on ICT-enabled “knowledge societies”,1various socio-cultural commentators argue that the provision of physical ICT infrastructure does not automatically generate demand for digital products and services within target communities. Within the context of underserved communities, it has even been suggested that new technologies may widen existing gaps “further blocking access to those already without access”.2 In this book, we are concerned with 'voice poverty' – the inability of citizens to influence the decisions that affect their lives.