can accrue to the poor through improved function proved to be the highest priority for operational capacities of the specialized local many communities who would otherwise have agencies. One example is Chile’s electronic remained isolated. rural information connected system farmers’ These centers have which organizations, provide affordable public access to ICT tools including the Internet rural municipalities, NGOs, and local government extension agencies to the Internet. It was estimated that extend and customize public services including those offered through egovernment transmitting information on prices, markets, inputs, weather, social services, and credit facilities cost 40% less than using traditional methods. provide access to information in support of local economic activities and learning opportunities Similar pilots and programs have been applied in Mexico. In Maharashtra, India, a cluster of 70 villages is covered by the “wired village” project, which is modernizing connect and network people the local cooperatives, and aiming to provide agricultural, medical, and educational information to the enabled them to carry out local dialogue, facilitation telecenter booths in the villages. Perhaps the area of most promise is in the use of ICT to promote broad participation, grassroots innovation, and social learning, thereby increasing democratic governance. Telecenters or community information and communication centers can play several roles: provide affordable public access to ICT tools including the Internet; extend and customize public services, including those offered through e-government; provide access to information in support of local economic activities and learning opportunities; and connect and network people. Belize ICT National Strategy The last share practical and locally-relevant information, and support community problem solving. Given the limited relevance of the vast amount of global Internet content to these communities, the role of these centers in networking and creating local content becomes all the more important. Community centers could also provide women with a medium to participate as consumers-providers-users, clients. In South producers, counselors- Africa, women’s organizations are linked to various resource web sites which aim to mobilize women around common concerns. Digital literacy 19