Social Impact
In the final analysis, SchoolNet Namibia was not about the technology. It was about changing people's lives for the better and making a positive social impact. In general, impact by one organisation is almost impossible to assess. Many of the impacts are indirect and synergies with other organisations obscure how much of any particular impact may be attributed to the actions of any of the contributory organisations. It is clear however, that SchoolNet Namibia has been recognised for its activities.
In addition to the impacts alluded to throughout this case study (e.g. enabling access to knowledge and training unemployed youth, etc.), the following activities and acknowledgements of its contribution are at least indicative of an organisation making a difference[1]:
- August 2001: Domestic Violence Advocacy Website competition.
- February 2002: SchoolNet Namibia awarded Welfare Organisation status by Ministry of Health and Social Services.
- September 2002: NIED and SchoolNet co-host HIV/AIDS website competition for schools
- September 2002: SchoolNet "HIV/AIDS in Katutura " website launched.
- December 2002: SchoolNet web development team wins Global Junior Challenge Website Incubator competition with its "HIV-AIDS in Katutura" Website.
- December 2003: SchoolNet showcased for the Global E-Schools Initiative at the ICT4D platform, WSIS, Geneva.
- November 2003: WSIS Tunisia with Katutura Aids project, and other local awards.
- November 2005: The comic Hai Ti! awarded 3rd place in the Community Engagement Category of the 2005 World Summit Youth Awards
- Invited presentations internationally.
- Etc.[2]
- ↑ Ballantyne, P. 2004. Evaluation of Swedish Support to SchoolNet Namibia. Report to Sida. Available via Sida publications: http://www.sida.se/English/About-us/Publication_database/
- ↑ More on SchoolNet's achievements in the latter years may be found in the Director and Chairperson reports for the years 2003 - 2008.
