ICT education for development - a case study

"Information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D)" is a general term that is used to define the applications of ICTs for the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. In other words, the ICT4D is applying information technologies for poverty reduction purposes. Today the concept is far more evolved from when it started just as the ICT industry. Especially along with the Internet now the possibilities for collaboration have significantly increased. Since information and communication technologies will be shaping the future, the jobs acquired in the ICT industry will be even more valid. On the other hand while the need for professionals is increasing, the number of well trained professionals is not accumulating with the same acceleration rate, due to the high costs and accessibility problems. This paper focuses on a unique and successful project called SPARK (Youth Movement in Informatics). SPARK is a partnership of UNDP, Cisco and Youth for Habitat Association. This project aims to improve the level of information technology expertise among youth using the Cisco NetAcad e-learning platform, while simultaneously encouraging volunteerism. Moreover, SPARK aims to support young people to develop their social capacities and helps them participate in the new information-based global economy through the peer education model on advanced information technology and networking skills. Through the case of SPARK, this paper also emphasizes the importance of the ICT education for development and poverty reduction and illustrates the impact it makes on people's lives. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the Guest Editor.