Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents g) h) actions to be taken; Creating Centres of Excellence with specialised and multi-disciplinary research teams on ICTs; Publishing and disseminating the results of research and experimentation, both by traditional and new ICT tools, especially the Internet. 7.10 CIVIL SOCIETY Government recognises the important role that civil society (represented by traditional leadership, non-governmental and professional organisations, unions, community-based organisations, individuals etc.) play in the social and economic development of the country. Civil Society is a fundamental element in the preservation of human development and consolidation of governance systems. The challenges that face civil society in this area are related to: low literacy levels especially in the rural areas and the underserved poor urban communities; inadequate telecommunication facilities, electricity and road network infrastructure and the weak institutional coordination mechanisms. Therefore, civil society is encouraged to undertake the following initiatives in coordination with the Department of Communications, private sector and other partners: a) b) c) d) e) f) Exploit the potential of ICTs in the development of society, dissemination of information and knowledge; Use ICTs as a vehicle for the transmission and dissemination of information in development programmes; Incorporate an ICT component in community development programmes, and in programmes supported by international organisations; Create institutional mechanisms (NGOs, CBOs etc) to spearhead ICT awareness including implementation of projects at national and community levels; Monitor and evaluate the performance of the ICT sector in achieving developmental goals especially in community based initiatives; Assist in capacity building of ICT awareness and literacy programmes in the Country. 62