Project News & Upcoming Events: 2006

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 ... 2007 2008
2006: January February March April May June July August September October November

January 2006

Africa Source II, Kampala, Uganda, January 8 - 15, 2006
Africa Source II will seek to foster the growth of FOSS expertise amongst technical support professionals working in Africa and facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange around successful implementation of FOSS. Africa Source II will bring together nearly 100 technology support professionals, trainers and consultants working with the non-profit sector from across Africa. The participants will all have a history of working with service and advocacy NGOs, educational organisations, NGO resource centres, community centres and health information organisations. The aim of the event - which will be held in East Africa, January 2006 - is to facilitate learning and exchange between these communities, in particular around the practical deployment of Free and Open Source Technologies. The intention is to move beyond conceptual discussions of the benefits of FOSS and technology in general, and to test out these ideas and focus on practical skill sharing between technology implementers in the region.
The workshop will focus on learning by doing, rather than by listening. We aim for a "workshop vibe" as opposed to a "conference vibe"; we hope that elements like the location, shared housing, and the nature of the sessions will keep the energy level high and the interest in active participation over passive learning strong. Like other source events, Africa Source II will be intentionally designed to foster community building, this creates an atmosphere conducive to learning, but more importantly is essential if longer term relationships are to be built.
The Association for Progressive Communication APC (regional network), Fantsuam Foundation (Nigeria), Schoolnet Africa (regional network), Translate.org.za, WOUGNET (Uganda), Aspiration (United States) and The Tactical Technology Collective (the Netherlands) will collaborate to organise the content of the workshop and to build strong relationships between the participants. The project partners are committed to examining the challenges of implementing FOSS in the African context, stretching its potential to fit the needs on the ground, and building local capacities to realise this. Our local partners there are East African Center for Open Source (EACOSS), Linux Solutions and WOUGNET.
Previous source events have taken place in Croatia - September 2003, and Namibia - March 2004, India - February 2005. As well as in Africa future source events will take place in Central Asia and Latin America. Interaction and learning between these regional events is facilitated through the exchange of project models and individual expertise.
For more information, contact:
Contact:
Email: africasource2@tacticaltech.org
Website: http://www.tacticaltech.org/africasource2

February 2006

The Second IDLELO Conference on the Digital Commons, Safari Park Hotel, Kenya, 23-25 February 2006: Entrenching the Software Industry in Africa
The Free Software and Open Source Foundation for Africa (FOSSFA) in collaboration with The Kenya e-Government Directorate in the Office of the President together with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) are pleased to announce the Second IDLELO Conference on the Digital Commons to be held at the Safari Park Hotel from 23rd to 25th February 2006. IDLELO is derived from a Zulu word for a common grazing ground.
Software has become an integral part of modern life. Today, basic items such as Mobile Phones, Computers and TVs to complex equipment such as Motor Vehicles, Industrial Plants and Telecommunication infrastructure all rely on software to run their core functions. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) E-Commerce 2004 Report estimates the software industry generates yearly revenues in excess of US$300 billion. Developing Countries now have a real chance in participating in the industry using community shared software commonly referred to as Free & Open Source Software (FOSS). FOSS is software that has made its source code free and public and allows - perhaps even motivates - users to change the source code and redistribute the derivative software. While liberating the source code is a goal in itself, FOSS encourages, or even obliges, programmers to give other programmers and users those same freedoms and opportunities. The increased use of FOSS is sustainable development, because FOSS is a technology that the local people (in Africa or anywhere) can understand, maintain, and adapt to their needs. It also creates new opportunities for employment and wealth creation.
To demonstrate how FOSS can generate revenues especially for the youth, the IDLELO Key Note Speaker will be Mr. Mark Shuttleworth from Ubuntu/Canonical, UK, renowned youthful entrepreneur who made his fortune through FOSS based business. He will also present a motivational speech on how he achieved his childhood dreams of going to the outer space by paying US$20 Million to become the First Space Tourist to the NASA Space Station.
The objectives of this conference are to stimulate a local Software Industry in Africa and bring together Practioners, Decision Makers, FOSS Software Developers and the General Public to learn how FOSS can be of relevance to their sectors. This conference targets Key Decision/Policy Makers in African Governments with emphasis on The Central Government/E-Government Teams, Education and Health, FOSS/Linux User Groups National Leaders and Leading FOSS Industry Players from the Private Sector. IDLELO2 sponsers include: Hivos, inWent, Ubuntu, Circuits & Packets, and Google.
For Registration, Sponsorship and Exhibition details, please contact the Event Organiser - AITEC Kenya
Contact:
AITEC Kenya
Andrew Karanja/John Mwangi
Email: john@aitecafrica.com
Website: http://www.fossfa.net/idlelo2

March 2006

UNECA Forum on ICT, Trade and Economic Growth, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 14-16 March 2006
The Economic Commission for Africa is hosting a forum on Information and Communication Technologies and their impact on Trade and Economic Growth under the auspices of the African Node of the Global ePolicy Resource Network (ePol-NET) supported by the Government of Canada. Approximately 100 delegates working in the field of ICTs and Trade are expected to attend. The meeting, to be held from 14-16 March, in the UN Conference Centre, Addis Ababa will generate debates on the economic significance of ICTs (particularly, IT and telecommunications) and determine the nature of expected economic effects on African countries. For more information,
Contact:
Mercy Wambui, Communication Officer, UNECA
Tel: +251 - 115 445112
Email: mwambui@uneca.org
Website: http://www.uneca.org/e-trade

WSIS Follow-up Conference on Access to Information and Knowledge for Development, United Nations Conference Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27-30, 2006
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Follow-up Conference on Access to Information and Knowledge for Development is co-sponsored by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government Information and Official Publications Section (GIOPS) and the Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The conference, will be delivered in two parts:

Workshop on Building of African Capacity to Implement the Outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society in the Sphere of Libraries and Access to Information and Knowledge, March 27 � 28, 2006; and
IFLA GIOPS/FAIFE Seminar on the Strategic Management and Use of Government Information in Africa, March 29-30, 2006.

Registration is free. However, participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs (unless individually informed otherwise in writing). For further enquiries,
Contact:
Ms. Petrina Amonoo, Chief Librarian / AVLIN Coordinator
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
P.O. Box 3001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 5510280 / +251 11 544 5510
Fax: +251 11 5514416
Email: pamonoo@uneca.org

April 2006

Reuters Digital Vision Program Invites Applications From Social Entrepreneurs. Deadline: April 3, 2006
The Reuters Digital Vision Program at Stanford University, California, sponsored by the Reuters Foundation supports individuals who seek to develop technology-based solutions in the interest of humanitarian, educational, and sustainable development goals. The program is designed to foster social entrepreneurship and inter-disciplinary projects that address real needs in under-served communities. The nine-month program takes place at Stanford during the academic year.
The program awards approximately fifteen fellowships each year to exceptional social entrepreneurs and technology professionals from around the world. Successful candidates have innovative ideas and are passionate about implementing a project to empower individuals and communities in the developing world. Applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional experience working with information and communications technologies in their organizations. Applicants should have an in-depth knowledge of, and interest in, the latest information and communications technology applications and their implementation in the developing world. There is no age limit, but the minimum educational qualification is a bachelor's degree. Typically, Digital Vision Fellows are at a mid-career stage, and many have advanced degrees and/or technology backgrounds.
The administrative and tuition costs associated with participating in the program will be provided by the Reuters Foundation and its co-sponsors. Additionally, DV Fellows are eligible to apply for funding from the program in support of their prototype development. For further program information, application procedures, and details on past fellows and their projects, visit the Reuters Digital Vision Program's Web site at http://rdvp.org/

Environmental Public Dialogue: "Eviction of People from Wetlands: Is it the best alternative to save Uganda's Wetlands?", 28 April 2006, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
AEW/MUEMA announce the resumption of the Environmental Public Dialogues with yet another topical and interesting subject on wetlands. AEW/MUEMA will continue to commemorate World Wetlands Day 2006 and the recent International Convention on Wetlands [COP9] that was held here in Kampala, Uganda, last year November 2005. Under the theme "Managing Wetlands in a time of change", issues to do with Eviction of people from Wetland areas shall be discussed under the day's topic "Eviction of People from Wetlands: Is it the best alternative to save Uganda's Wetlands?". Panelists are expected to come from GreenWatch [Environmental advocates], WID and NEMA. Contributors are highly welcome.
For further information, contact:
David Ssemwogerere, Agency for Environment and Wetlands (AEW)
On behalf of the Strategic Planning Committee
Tel: +256-77-235 1736
Email: info_aew@yahoo.com

May 2006

ICTe Africa 2006, Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Nairobi, Kenya, May 17-21, 2006
Second Annual Conference on Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
ICTe Africa is a continental event for the presentation of technologies appropriate to development of ICT in Africa and for the discussion of a broad range of challenges and potential relevant solutions. The 2006 conference will feature presentations on next generation networks, infrastructure projects, Internet applications/solutions, rural telephony, ICT policies, ICT financing and solar energy for powering rural networks. The event will also feature professional development courses in fiber optics, broadband access, VoIP and other emerging technologies.
By working in collaboration with NEPAD Kenya, Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU), IEEE Communication Society (COMSOC), NEPAD Council expects to attract Industry leaders, policy makers, financiers, leading engineers and scientists from Africa and the rest of the world. For all general questions about the conference and tutorials, please contact:
Contact:
Miss Alida Phielix
Conference Secretary 2006
NEPAD Council
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Email: aphielix@nepadcouncil.org
Website: http://www.nepadcouncil.org/ICTeAfrica2006

"Strategies for sustainable development of ICT infrastructure in Africa", ICT Africa Investment Summit 2006, Intercontinental Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda, May 4-6, 2006
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will open the ICT African Ministerial Summit scheduled to be held in Kigali from 4-6 May 2006. A recent Government announcement in Rwanda says �The Government of Rwanda has placed emphasis on the importance of the ICT sector in the development of her growing economy, and has taken steps to embrace ICT in all the facets of her economic activities. It is therefore a unique opportunity for the Government of Rwanda to host such an important Forum where major stakeholders in the sector will be discussing relevant issues in the ICT sector�. Six Ministers from African countries have so far confirmed their attendance at the Summit. They are from Central African Republic, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Uganda and host Rwanda.
For further information, contact:
Contact:
Email: ictafrica.summit@kemilinks.com
Website: http://www.kemilinks.com/ict_events.html

Open Source Software (OSS) Weekend, 19 - 21 May 2006, Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), Nakawa
The Open Source Software (OSS) Weekend is an event that provides an excellent opportunity for private comapnies, NGOs, government departments and academic institutions to explore the potential of using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Uganda. Having been held for the first time in 2005, it is planned that the event be run annually and this year's event is slated for 19th -21st May 2006. The goal of the OSS Weekend is to expose FOSS, its opportunities and case studies to the general public. Specific objectives for the event include:

To increase FOSS awareness among ICT end users, policy makers and technical personnel
To create Linkages and partnerships among the various stakeholders in the ICT sector through networking to promote sharing of FOSS resources, information and skills
To build FOSS capacity among ICT end users and technical personnel through the provision of training, educational resources and software
To show case innovative FOSS solutions implemented in Uganda
To enable FOSS practitioners have a greater understanding of the public's needs.

Participation at the OSS Weekend is open to the public. If you would like to discuss the issue of FOSS, to understand how you can use FOSS to meet your day-to-day needs, and to meet FOSS practitioners in Uganda, this is the event for you. Speakers at the event will include community-based FOSS practitioners and technical experts. The venue is the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in Nakawa. There will be daily sessions running from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Organisers for this event include EACOSS, LinuxSolutions, Linux Chix Uganda and WOUGNET. In particular, WOUGNET is responsible for the session on FOSS in the community - showcasing FOSS initiatives in rural areas. For further information, contact:
Contact:
Email: techsupport@wougnet.org
Tel: +256-78-2795320

June 2006

iCommons Summit, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 23-25 June 2006
The annual iCommons Summit will this year take place in the heart of free culture, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the 23 - 25 June 2006. With participation by commons communities from Creative Commons, Wikipedia, Science Commons, Ubuntu, A2K and others, this year's Summit is set to be one of the most exciting events for creative and knowledge commons pioneers from around the world. The Summit is structured around three major themes:

Tools. Developing effective, relevant tools to assist other creators, authors, scientists and researchers to develop and showcase their creativity and innovation.
Policy. Strategies to ensure international, regional and local policy fora that are conducive to the development and nurturing of the commons.
Practice. Learning from the experience of others to develop effective models for the development of open content in societies around the world.

The goals of iCommons are to build the Summit into a launch-pad for global cooperation around commons projects and to provide an open, creative space for practitioners to learn from best case practices and to showcase new ideas. With iCommons' strong institutional partnerships, iCommons will continue to nurture these alliances throughout the year, providing the tools and spaces for commoners to build on the friendships and shared experience of the event, and building a united global commons community. With keynote speakers including Larry Lessig, Joi Ito, James Boyle and Jimmy Wales who will inspire participants with a vision of a living, thriving commons, to members of the expanding iCommons community showcasing their ideas and inviting participation in key projects, this year's Summit is proving to be a must-attend for anyone engaged in the growth and development of the digital commons of the future.
For further information, contact:
Contact:
Daniela Faris
Tel: +27 72 2966430
Email: daniela@icommons.org
Website: http://www.icommons.org/summit

Young Women Leadership and Knowledge Institute (YOWLI), Dakar, Senegal, June 2006 (Deadline for applications: 15 April 2006)
The African Women Millennium Initiative on Poverty and Human Rights (AWOMI) was established and launched in May 2005 respectively in Senegal and Kenya. The setting up of AWOMI came out of the need to create the conditions that enable women to monitor and ensure that resources earmarked to fight poverty gets in the hands of those who need it most. AWOMI's goal is to empower impoverished women and youth and enhance their leadership and rights in national and global initiatives to end poverty. From June to July 2006, AWOMI will host the Young Women Leadership and Knowledge Institute (YOWLI) in Dakar, Senegal.
YOWLI is a program for empowerment and training for transformation that will accept participants of different backgrounds from all over Africa and the Diaspora (activists, community leaders, researchers, artists, etc). Participants will each stay with a Senegalese pier and live with Senegalese host families during their four-week stay. Skills building activities on leadership, action oriented research and advocacy for human rights will be organized. In addition the institute will facilitate outreach and networking between young women and women community leaders building on the AWOMI research findings of "Positive Women and Girls are the first caregivers". Participants will also have a lot of fun during their four-week stay with Senegalese host families. The program will end with an international Conference on Accountability for Gender Justice in Fighting HIV/AIDs where YOWLI participants will engage with their Governments and international community and demand accountability for investing in a substantial and measurable way, in the population more at risk and those caring for HIV sufferers such as positive women, women living in poverty and girls.
For more information about AWOMI and the YOWLI project, or for an application form, contact:
Contact:
AWOMI, YOWLI Program
BP 5409 Dakar Fann, Senegal
Fax: (221) 864 39 92
Tel: (221) 864 39 76
Email: awomiorg@awomi.org OR ckeene@awomi.org OR ssy@awomi.org

July 2006

Fellowship Announcement: HIV/AIDS and Health and Social Policy in Africa: a focus on gender, care, and sexual violence
The Social Science Research Council is pleased to announce the 2006-2007 Fellowship for HIV/AIDS and Public Health Policy Research in Africa. The program is open to African researchers, policy analysts, program planners and practitioners to support research on health and social policy in Eastern and Southern Africa relating to (1) political economy of care-giving and HIV/AIDS with particular emphasis on gender analysis; or (2) sexual violence and HIV/AIDS. Two Senior Fellowships of up to $25,000 and six Associate Fellowships of up to $10,000 will be awarded. Generous support for this program has been made available by the Open Society Institute's Network Public Health Program based in New York. Fellowships will be awarded for proposals addressing one of the two following areas:

HIV AND CARE-GIVING
Research proposals should address health policy challenges as they relate to any or several aspects of: (a) various public health and development interventions, and whether and how such interventions are affecting costs and burdens of care-giving for HIV/AIDS; (b) social mobilization efforts around care-giving at various levels�local, national and/or global.
RESEARCH ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Research proposals should address health policy challenges as they relate to any or several aspects of: (a) new ways of measuring and conceptualizing the connection between sexual violence and HIV/AIDS across a range of settings, including in the context of fragile states, armed conflict and post-conflict settings, and other forms of public or domestic violence; b) policy implications at a national level of decreasing vulnerability of individuals to sexual violence; (c) implications of HIV/AIDS and sexual violence for policy and programme interventions in public health, reproductive health, security and HIV/AIDS.

The deadline for applications is July 15, 2006. For more information, contact:
Contact:
Fellowship Coordinator
Email: hivaids@ssrc.org
Website: http://www.ssrc.org/programs/HIV/fellowships/

World Forum on Human Rights, Nantes, France, 10 - 13 July, 2006
The second World Forum on Human Rights will be held in the Nantes M�tropole International Convention Centre from 10 - 13 July 2006, under the theme �Make Human Rights a reality for all�. 2006 will be marked by the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations. As in 2004, topical issues relating to Human Rights will be debated by policy makers (representatives of States, towns and local governments, members of parliaments) from all over the world, members of international organisations, of academia and representatives of civil society.
For more information, visit:
Contact:
Website: http://www.forum-humanrights.org/fr/langues/index_e_2006.php

Call for Proposals: UNESCO International Program for Development of Communication
The UNESCO International Program for Development of Communication (IPDC) is a program to support community and media projects via small grants. Media organizations such as press, radio and television, media training institutes, professional journalists' organizations, media development agencies, and community media organizations are eligible to seek support from IPDC. All proposals are processed by field-based Unesco Advisers for communication and information. Media projects with potential to serve as models are especially encouraged. Particular attention is always given to proposals from least-developed, landlocked and small island countries. The deadline for submission of project proposals is 15 July 2006.
For more information, visit:
Contact:
Website: http://www.unesco.org/webworld/ipdc

August 2006

Know How Conference 2006 PUEG-UNAM-MEXICO, "Weaving the information society: a gender and multicultural perspective", Mexico City, August 21 - 26, 2006: Invitation and Call for Papers
The Know How Conference is hosted by Programa Universitario de Estudios de G�nero (PUEG) and UNAM, in cooperation with the Know How Secretariat, and it is an initiative of the Know How Community, held once every four years. The Know How Community includes librarians, journalists, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) experts, researchers, indigenous and rural women�s information workers, publishers, information activists representing excluded communities of women, from all parts of the world. The mission of the Know How Conference 2006 is to advance gender justice and respect for every nation�s cultural diversity within the information society, and promote access to information and communication as a fundamental women�s and human right.
Know How 2006 has the following objectives:

To establish strategies that will promote the use of women�s information to improve women�s lives.
To develop a strategic plan aimed at narrowing the information/digital gap for women.
To share strategies that address the accessibility and availability of information for indigenous, excluded and rural women.
To found a Latin American Network of Information Centers and Libraries on Women�s and Gender Studies.

The program of the Know How Conference Mexico will include training and updating workshops, known as Know How Academy. These workshops will be in August 21-22, 2006, as two days of academic training and the Conference will take place from August 23-25, 2006. Concurrently a book fair and a Feminist Film Festival will be held from August 21-25, 2006. Interested participants are invited to submit a paper or workshop proposal or film. The deadline for receipt of proposals is March 30, 2006.
For more information, contact:
Contact:
Know How Office
Programa Universitario de Estudios de G�nero-UNAM-M�xico
Torre II de Humanidades, piso 7, Circuito Interior Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoac�n, D.F., C.P. 04510
Tel: +56-23-00-20 al 23
Fax: +56-23-00-19
Email: knowhow_mex@generounix.pueg.unam.mx
Website: http://knowhow-pueg.unam.mx/ or http://www.knowhowcommunity.org

IT Governance And Strategy Summit 2006, 22 - 24 August 2006, The Castle, Kyalami, Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa
The IT Governance And Strategy Summit 2006 is a practical guide to governance application and excellence. The goal is to enable one strategically plan and maintain an Information Technology Governance Strategy, and includes the following:

Create and maintain an effective IT Governance Framework for your company
Effectively apply management process guidelines to drive IT Governance excellence
Ensure that all internal IT projects are controlled within the IT Governance framework
Implement policies for both IT Governance and Legal Compliance
Establishing roles and responsibilities for all of your internal role players

For more information, contact:
Contact:
Susan Theron
IQPC (PTY) Ltd South Africa
Tel: +27-11 669 5019
Fax: +27-11 669 5066
Email: susan.theron@iqpc.co.za
Website: http://www.iqpc.co.za

2006 AISI Media Awards, Deadline for Applications: 15 August 2006
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and its partners are pleased to announce the 2006 AISI Media Awards.The AISI Media Awards were introduced in 2003 to encourage more informed coverage of the information society and ICT for development issues in Africa as part of ECA's Information Society Outreach and Communication Programme. The Awards are aimed at individual journalists and media institutions based in Africa that are promoting journalism which contributes to a better understanding of the information society in Africa. Although the media in Africa are beginning to report on ICT issues, there is still a wide gap in their knowledge and comprehension of the subject in relation to development trends within their national context. The aims are to:

Create greater awareness on the role of ICTs in the development process within the framework of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI);
Support African media to specialize and master ICTs and development issues thereby sharpening their skills and knowledge base;
Enhance access to information on this subject area by various African stakeholders, thereby raising greater awareness; and
Stimulate national debates on key issues and emerging trends.

The AISI Media Awards is intended to be an annual event to honour media institutions and professionals. The winners of the 2005 Awards were announced in September 2005 at the Highway Africa Conference held in Grahmstown, South Africa. Details of the 2003, 2004, and 2005 AISI Media Awards can be found at: http://www.uneca.org/aisi/mediaaward.htm

For more information, contact:
Contact:
Mr. Afework Temtime
ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA, AISI MEDIA AWARD
DISD, 5th Floor, ECA Building, ECA, PO Box 3001, Menelik II Avenue
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Email: atemtime@uneca.org
Website: http://www.uneca.org/aisi/mediaaward.htm

September 2006

Software Freedom Day, 16 September 2006
The Software Freedom Day (SFD) for 2006 has been set for September 16th. Software Freedom International has also established the third Saturday of each September as Software Freedom Day. For more information, visit:
http://softwarefreedomday.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=63
LinuxChix Africa chapters regularly have activities to mark this day, and for more information, contact:
Contact:
Dorcas Muthoni
Email: dmuthoni@kenet.or.ke
Web: http://www.africalinuxchix.org

Uganda Social Forum: Building Uganda - Our Struggles, Our Solutions, Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, 18 - 21, September 2006
The Second Edition of the Uganda Social Forum (USF 2006) will be held from 18 - 21 September 2006 at Mandela National Stadium Namboole under the theme 'Building Uganda � Our Struggles, Our Solutions'. USF 2006 will be an open meeting place for reflective thinking, democratic debate of ideas, formulation of proposals, free exchange of experiences and inter-linking for effective action, by groups and movements of civil society that are committed to building a society centered on the human person. USF is expected to bring together and provide space for �Caravans� of hundreds and thousands of grassroots people and others from social movements, civil society organizations, community-based organizations including peace activists, minority groups, slum dwellers, popular actors, women groups etc from all over Uganda to make known and share their experiences of struggles, coping mechanisms and alternative practices or solutions.
USF 2006 will be an exciting event that will provide yet another opportunity to mobilize and give voice to the ordinary citizens and social movements from Northern, Southern, South Western, Eastern, Western and West Nile regions of Uganda in an effort to build the necessary capacity for self organization and representation to demand for social transformation and the promotion of human dignity, mutual respect, equity, peace and justice and new values of solidarity.
USF 2006 is open to everyone and organizations wishing to participate including Community Based Organizations; Non Governmental Organizations; Farmer�s organizations and groups; Womens� groups; Youth, Children Organizations; Special Interest Groups; Human Rights organizations; Community groups; Faith Based organizations; Artistic and Cultural Groups organizations; Education and Training organizations; Issues oriented Networks; UN Agencies; Media Houses and organizations; Sports Clubs; Scouts and Guides; Schools and Tertiary Institutions; Unions; Music Bands; Pan Africanists; Drama Groups; Cooperate Bodies; Rural organizations; Gatherings and Associations; Social-Professional organizations; Government institutions and departments; Academic Institutions; Development Partners; Artists; Comedians etc Your organization is encouraged to participate in this exciting event that will facilitate collective social movement action and mobilization around the struggles, stakes, challenges, alternatives and solutions in building Uganda.
What you need to do now:

Communicate to the contacts below, your intention and commitment to participate and/or organize events during USF 2006.
Start mobilizing and preparing your constituencies, groups, partners etc especially those in the districts to participate in USF 2006.
Complete the USF 2006 Registration Form and send it to the address below to facilitate development of the USF 2006 Programme. Forms are also available from the same address.

Format of USF 2006
USF 2006 will take the format of Popular platforms, Forums (youth forums, farmer�s forums, women�s forum, elders/opinion, leaders� forums etc), Documentaries, Best Practice and Experience Sharing, Artistic and Cultural events and representations, Exhibitions, Advocacy and Lobbying Clinics, Conferences, workshops, seminars, roundtables, panel discussions, dialogues etc; Games and Sports, Poems, Think Tanks, Mentoring and coaching sessions, People�s Assemblies and Forums, Music, Dance and Drama, Music Concerts, Campaigns against poverty, Peaceful marches, Caucuses, Press Conferences.
This year�s USF provides an opportunity for social movements in Uganda to strategise for collective action and amplify their collective voice to a global level as it will precede and feed into the first ever World Social Forum on the African continent to be held in January 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya. The WSF 2007 is being jointly organized by the Eastern Africa countries. WSF 2007 will be a space for reflection, encounter and debate, a space for sharing ideas, proposals and experiences; bringing and raising the profile of the unique concerns of the African political, social, economic and cultural agenda.

For more information and to obtain registration forms, contact:
Contact:
Warren Nyamugasira; Deo Nyanzi; Segawa Hamza
Uganda National NGO Forum
Plot 25 Muyenga Tankhill Road - Kabalagala
P.O. Box 4636, Kampala
Tel: +256- 31-2260373; 041-510272/501674
Fax: +256- 31-2260372
Mobile: +256- 77-2452946
Email: ngoforum@infocom.co.ug
Web: http://www.ngoforum.or.ug

Radio for Peacebuilding Awards 2006, Deadline: 30 September 2006
Radio for Peacebuilding, Africa, announces the Radio for Peacebuilding Awards 2006 competition. The Radio for Peacebuilding Awards 2006 seeks to recognise the best programmes that contribute to peace. Programmes that reduce tensions in groups and communities, which enhance and value shared interests, that breakdown listener stereotypes, and that provide positive role models. The awards are open to all African radio broadcasters, both men and women.
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
- Drama (dramas, soap operas, sketches, etc)
- Talk shows
- Youth Radio
Four prizes will be awarded in each category: The first prize is 800 euros and the others are 300 euros each. The aim is to support the programmes that contribute to conflict resolution between opposing groups.
Rules
Candidates are limited to one programme per category (so maximum 3 entries per person)

Entries must be in English or French, or must be accompanied by a full translation in one of these two languages.
Entries must have been broadcasted in Africa in 2005 or 2006
Each entry must include a complete entry form (contact radiopeaceafrica@sfcg.be to obtain an entry form)
Entries must be sent at the very latest by September 30th, 2006 to the contact address below

For more information on radio for peace building and different programme formats as well as information on the competition, please contact:
Contact:
Search for Common Ground
Radio for Peacebuilding, Africa
Rue Belliard 205
Brussels 1040
Belgium
Email: radiopeaceafrica@sfcg.be
Web: http://www.radiopeaceafrica.org

October 2006

Harambee: Reinforcing African Voices Through Collaborative Processes - Call for applications for small grants
The Harambee Project, conceived by the Association for Progressive Communications, Bellanet and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and funded by Connectivity Africa and Hivos, is designed to support increased capacity among a range of Africa-based networks and communities to coordinate and facilitate the interactions of their respective constituencies.
The Harambee project coordinators are announcing a small grants facility (SGF) to provide a number of sectoral based networks and communities in Africa with funding for the development of greater collaborative capacity. The SGF will provide a one-time grant of up to 5,000 USD per network for a maximum period of six months. A network applying for the SGF must be a recognized legal entity or hosted by one. Preference will be given to networks with an institutional base in Africa.
Applicants are required to submit, by email, a brief Concept Note (1-2 pages) by 13TH OCTOBER, 2006. The concept note should include the name of the applicant organisation and/or network, contact information, title of the proposed activity, description of the problem/issue the proposed activity will address, outline of the proposed activity including a description of how a small grant of up to $5000 USD would be used, beneficiaries and impact of the project and the expected duration of the activity.
Concept notes will be evaluated and selected applicants will then be invited to submit a more detailed proposal (5-6 pages). Applicants who pass into this second stage will be assured that:

There will be a roughly 50% chance that their proposal will be funded
ALL APPLICANTS WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO SUBMIT FULL PROPOSALS WILL BE FUNDED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UPCOMING HARAMBEE WORKSHOP, held to develop capacity in network coordination, to share learning from the implementation of pilot projects, to validate project strategies, and to provide input into the design of activities for future phases of the Harambee project.
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:
* Quality and suitability of the proposed activity with respect to SGF objectives. (30%)
* Proposal clearly states objectives, includes a methodology, identifies outputs, partners/stakeholders and includes a realistic timeline and budget. (25%)
* Demonstrated potential for shared learning within the network and/or among broader networks. (20%)
* Planned output(s) in the form of a 1-2 page learning document, short video, journal article etc. highlighting results of the activity (20%)
* Suitability of applicant organisation and/or network in relation to the eligibility requirements. (5%)

Concept notes and proposals may be written in English or French and sent to harambee-sgf@dgroups.org.

Announcement of grant awards will be made on DECEMBER 22nd, 2006 and implementation of activities will commence in January 2007.

For more information on the SGF including eligibility requirements, please refer to:
Contact:
Email: harambee-sgf@dgroups.org
Web: http://wikis.bellanet.org/harambee/index.php/SGF_Call_for_Applicants

November 2006

16 Days Campaign, November 25 - December 10, 2006
The Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University announces the theme for the 2006 16 Days Campaign. The theme this year is "Advance Human Rights � End Violence against Women". For information on how to organise local campaigns, bibliography and various resources, contact:
Contact:
Center for Women's Global Leadership
Douglass College
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
160 Ryders Lane
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8555 USA
Tel: (1-732)932-8782
Fax: (1-732)932-1180
Email: cwgl@igc.org
Web: http://www.cwgl.rutgers.edu/16days/home.html

Money & Movements International Meeting, November 9-11, 2006, Oaxaca, Mexico: Call for Participation
Is there really too little money to support existing women's rights initiatives? Is it that women's rights groups are not bold enough in their fundraising strategies? Is it that donors simply don't understand the urgency and importance of this work? Or is it that we, as progressive women's organizations and movements, need to change ourselves to respond better to the current challenges???
AWID and Semillas invite you to join us in Oaxaca November 9-11, 2006 for a groundbreaking meeting of the international women's movement, where as many as 300 participants will convene to learn about the funding situation for women's rights, strategize with partners and progressive donors around funding challenges and opportunities, and begin the critical work of learning how to increase existing resources and mobilize new support for women's rights work. This meeting is a key follow-up activity to AWID's action-research initiative, Where is the money for women's rights?
A web-based application form is available at http://www.awid.org/moneyandmovements/application_form_1.php. The deadline for application is June 23, 2006. Applicants who do not have Web access may contact AWID at the address below for a hard copy.For information, contact:
Contact:
Zazil Canto
Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID)
Attn: Money and Movements Meeting
Zamora 169, Casa 2
Colonia Condesa, CP 06140
Mexico DF, MEXICO
Fax in Mexico: + 5255 5212 0626
Fax in Canada: +1 416 594 0330
Email: zcanto@awid.org
Web: http://www.awid.org

Submit news about your projects

To submit news about your current projects or activities, send a message to news@wougnet.org or click here to prepare your message now. Please include contact information in your message.

Last update: October-6, 2006