The I-CAN Centre stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing digital disparities and fostering community growth. Established through a dynamic partnership between the Western Cape
Government – Department of Economic Opportunities and the Genesis Community IT Initiative (G-CITI), the I-CAN Centre has become a cornerstone of progress within the Western Cape. In August 2014, Genesis Community IT Initiative (G-CITI) became the appointed Managing Operator for Centre.
A key collaboration within this initiative is with Sonic Herotel Telecoms and Think WIFI, the internet sponsors, which, alongside G-CITI, extends high-speed wireless internet access to beneficiaries through hotspot services.
Also G-CITI in partnership with the City of Cape Town provides citizens access to computer devices through the Smart Cape Initiative. Recognizing the critical need to bridge the digital literacy gap, the I-CAN Centre offers entry-level digital training programs for all beneficiaries. These training programs aim to equip individuals with the essential skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
The Western Cape’s beneficiaries are thus empowered to participate more fully in the digital economy, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial prospects. Central to the I-CAN Centre’s success is the value-driven and sustainable social and economic model established by G-CITI.
By fostering digital employment and digital entrepreneurial initiatives, G-CITI has not only transformed lives but also created a sustainable framework for growth and addressing the poverty in communities. Also, global and international partnerships further enrich these empowerment initiatives by providing a skilled workforce for the future.
RATIONALE
The objective of the I-CAN Centre is to provide access to information, empower the community through digital skills, expose broadband technology to the community and stimulate creativity and innovation in a local community. The boost in Entrepreneurship and support to SMME’s will occur through access to information and empower business owners through entrepreneurship programmes at the I-CAN Centre. All programming will improve skills, employment development, grow innovation, stimulate creativity, supplement motivation for young people in schools, support tertiary students to complete studies and alleviate poverty issues in the community.
The I-CAN Centre as the digital heart for communities has a strategic adoption framework that outlines how citizens can be up-skilled through training and how companies can invest in the I-CAN Centre going forward. This initiative is a catalyst for change in community development and community projects. For more info, visit http://www.i-can.org.za
Access Research Paper on the I-CAN Centre, conducted by UWC Information System Department – Click Here
