This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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£3m step to bridge the digital divide
19/01/2001
Initiatives aimed at making sure everyone shares in the benefits of the on-line revolution were announced today by Deputy Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran.
Two new community cyber cafés in Glasgow - based in the Gorbals and Pollok - will encourage local people to explore new technology and show how it can make a positive impact on their daily lives, from shopping to learning. The Executive is providing £1.6m to get these started and support them over three years.
And a £1.5m network of eight digital 'champions' across Scotland, from Aberdeen to Argyll, will help develop other ICT projects in hard-pressed communities.
Launching the initiatives during a conference on Shaping Greater Pollok's Future at Cardonald College, Ms Curran said:
"The Internet should be a resource for everyone, not just the well off.
"More organisations than ever are now conducting business on-line, from banks to supermarkets. We simply can't afford to leave people outside this information loop.
"Whether you are accessing services, finding out about new opportunities, or having your say on a local issue, the net can make a difference. We are committed to bridging the digital divide and achieving universal internet access by 2005."
The community cafes will offer a range of activities aimed at attracting all sections of the community - children, teenagers, unemployed people, parents and pensioners - and their development will be shaped by what local people want.
Digital champions will work to improve ICT provision in Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) areas, advising and helping with start-ups, accessing funding, engaging the private sector, and spreading best practice. Working through local enterprise companies, the eight champions will cover the following areas: Ayrshire; Lanarkshire; Edinburgh and Fife; Glasgow (2 champions); Central - Alloa, Stirling, Falkirk; Aberdeen and Dundee; Argyll/West Dunbartonshire/Inverclyde/Renfrewshire.
BACKGROUND
Initial plans for the two cybercafes will be presented to local voluntary groups, community councils, user groups and the wider community via press ads and displays in supermarkets and shopping centres. Money has been allocated to run them over the next three years and it is hoped the programme can then be rolled out throughout Scotland. The digital champions are likely to be in place by April.
News Release: SE0094/2001
19 Jan 2001