Awarenet

Village Scribe Association - Association for the Advancement of Innovative Information and Communication Technologies for Rural Development The Village Scribe Association (VSA) is a local, non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Grahamstown, South Africa. We strive to improve computer literacy amongst learners and teachers in underprivileged schools to enhance social development with the use of the social learning network called awarenet, an eLearning platform especially designed to meet the needs in the township. The organisation was born out of Anna and Ron Wertlen's idea to create opportunities and jobs for the local population. The VSA has gradually emerged through the doings of many of its stakeholders and trustees, taking part in research, prototype building, governmental and international projects. We are convinced that education is the key to progress, change and employment. Investment in equal education is essential to stabilise the political and economical situation of the country. The vast majority of learners leaving school in South Africa stays unemployed due to poor education. Although many schools have computer facilities, they often stay unused for various reasons, they are not connected to the Internet and teachers are not trained to work on projects with their students which might involve online research and exchange. Also, most of the learners do not have a computer or Internet at home. We believe that the ability to use computers and the Internet as well as good reading and writing skills are essential for success after school. Young people with such abilities have a better chance in life. Our vision is a more equal society in which individuals feel that their contribution has value and that their opinions matter. Our mission is to empower our learners and their communities by making technology available to them and by showing them that their actions make a difference.