The Project

The Providing a Voice to All Through New Media project is designed to connect under-represented people in rural and urban communities across Ghana through the Internet. The aim is to encourage a more inclusive approach to civic participation using new media tools and the project website. The objective is to establish the framework for a sustainable collaborative online community in Ghana.

The website provides an online community platform where users can share their stories and foster a national dialogue around issues effecting Ghanaians. The online community works as an independent channel of public information. Using web-ready computer stations, people can publish video testimonials and web blogs directly onto the website.

Outreach teams work in coordination with the online project to provide workshops on new media and encourage participation on the website. We intend to ensure that our volunteers are trained and equipped to work with new media.

An essential part of the project is carried out in the field. Outreach workers are equipped with video cameras to chronicle the voices of Ghana's youth. Video testimonials are then uploaded and streamed on the website.

The Internet has the unparalleled potential to be the definitive source of information and tool of empowerment. Armed with an Internet connection and a set of fresh ideas, anyone, anywhere can make an indelible mark upon the world. Through new media, a new generation will have their voice heard.

Ryan Mullins
Project Coordinator
ryan@providingavoice.org

The Partners

The project will be implemented in partnership with Pro-Link Organization in Ghana and The Homeless Nation.

Pro-Link is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that seeks to ensure equitable development opportunities for the rural and urban poor, especially women and girls. Founded in 1993, Pro-Link has implemented multiple projects in over 70 communities in Ghana focusing on basic nutrition, health and welfare, and education. Pro-Link works with many under-represented and marginalized groups offering skill training workshops, counseling services and education programs.

The Homeless Nation is a Canadian initiative founded by documentary filmmaker Daniel Cross. It is an organization that seeks to empower the homeless community in Canada through the Internet. Launched in 2002, The Homeless Nation has created a thriving network of over 3,200 registered users on the website. Dozens of video testimonials and blogs are posted on the website each month from across Canada, unifying the homeless community from coast to coast.

This project was made possible through the IDRC journalism award and Concordia University's department of journalism.