Impact of Nenasala (knowledge centre) on ICT knowledge, ICT usage level and economic condition : a case study of rural community

Abstract

Nenasala (Global Knowledge centre) is the Sri Lankan telecentre model implemented by ICTA to improve ICT Awareness, ICT literacy, ICT usage and economic conditions of the community. By the end of august 2007, 401 Nenasalas had been established islandwide according to ICTA. The target is to setup 1000 Nenasalas by the end of 2008. The main objective of this case study based research was to test the prime objectives of Nenasala project by evaluating the impact of Nenasala on ICT awareness, usage, literacy and economic condition of the rural community. In addition, the long-term sustainability and impediments to achieving the success of Nenasala were also evaluated. Using purposive sampling techniques, a sample of 20 Nenasalas was selected in 4 districts and studied in depth through the project implementer, Nenasala operator and community perspectives. 4-7 people around each Nenasala area including Nenasala users and non users were selected for the sample to study the community impact. Interviewing methods, participation observations and telephone conversations were used to collect data from operators, implementer (ICTA) and community. 2 questionnaires prepared for operator and community were used as the basis for interviewing operator and community members. Based on the analysis on quantitative data (inferences though a proper statistical analysis) and qualitative data, case study research was concluded with following findings. a. There is a significant impact of Nenasala on ICT usage of the community. b. Impact of Nenasala on ICT awareness and literacy is very low. c. Economic condition of the rural community has not been improved by Nenasala. d. Nenasala is sustainable in terms of its service and relevancy. However the infrastructure, equipment, human resources and financial sustainability is very low. Therefore the overall sustainability of Nenasala is low. e. There are number of impediments to achieving the success of Nenasala. Most of them are due to the lack of innovation and dedication from the operator