Established one year ago, the Hope Vale Indigenous Knowledge and Technology Centre provides a community space for learning, capacity building and strengthening cultural identity. With a range of training and informal learning activities, the centre helps community members to overcome barriers to learning and develops the capacity of individuals to participate in the social and working life of the community.
The Hope Vale Indigenous Knowledge and Technology Centre is at the heart of community activity and is frequently accessed by a wide range of community members. On average 50 to 60 community members access the centre daily. This provides a hub for community engagement - from a meeting space for Elders, to a way to engage young people that are unable to attend high school in Cooktown. Activities range from accessing the Internet and reading books to recording community history and culture.
Significantly, the centre seeks to address the social disadvantage created by the growing digital divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Bridging the digital divide has long been recognised as an important component in addressing Indigenous inequality due to the importance of technology in accessing economic, social and political opportunity.
Shirley Costello, as Centre Co-ordinator, has seen first-hand the positive impact that the Centre has made on Hope Vale, “It has made a huge impact to our community especially with the realisation that technology is the "NOW" factor, not only globally and nationally but now locally.”
Some key achievements in the centre’s first year include the establishment of a Hope Vale YouTube channel, a Hope Vale Wiki, and an Indigenous Knowledge Centre blog; providing an avenue for Elders to preserve their culture through recording life stories, language and history; and supported learning through the establishment of a homework club.
Fundamental to the centre’s success is in the approach that puts community ownership and building respectful relationships at the core of all activities. A particular focus is to affirm and strengthen Aboriginal cultural identity as a vital source of individual and community strength and pride. Much of the success of the centre must be contributed to the efforts of Shirley Costello, the Centre’s Coordinator, and the support of Hope Vale Council.
The centre was established in July 2008 with the help of Dot.Com.Mob, an organisation that strives to enhance the synergies between community development and community technology providers, in collaboration with SJB Architects, Work Ventures and the AMP Foundation.
Robert Magid, the sponsor of the Dot.Com.Mob, observes, “Technology has the potential to greatly improve the quality of people’s lives, especially in remote communities. Before Hope Vale, people had to move to a major town to get a job or do various things. Now with the Internet, they can be in contact with people in other communities and major centres, and learn and contribute remotely.”
The State Library of Queensland provided learning resources and furniture for the centre, and provides very valuable ongoing support through staff training and program delivery. The Qld Department of Communities provided funds for the first year of operations.
Lee Robertson, CEO of Hope Vale Council, believes the partnership has been a resounding success thus far, “What can I say? This project has been truly inspirational and will hopefully encourage Government to embrace the idea of Partnerships between communities and other organisations, promoting initiatives for the betterment of the community”.
Dot.Com.Mob is interested in hearing from companies or individuals interested in establishing similar centres in other communities. Please contact Gaye White, Dot.Com.Mob, at dotcommob@gmail.com
Posts
