WOUGNET WorldSpace Satellite Radio Program (WSRP)

In May 2002, Arid Lands Information Network Eastern Africa (ALIN-EA) invited WOUGNET members to participate in a one-day demonstration and training on the use of WorldSpace radio to access development information. Two WOUGNET members participated, ALFA Ministries and Lungujja Women's Association (LWA), in the training that was hosted by Isis International Women's Cross-Cultural Exchange (Isis-WICCE).

The training was aimed at demonstrating to the participants a new information delivery technology developed by the WorldSpace Corporation. The demonstration showed participants how a satellite radio can be used to disseminate information to a large number of people in different geographical locations for wider dissemination to local communities.

The WorldSpace radios when connected to a computer help users to access web based information without having to use the usual method of accessing information from the Internet (e.g., dialup, wireless or cable connections).

In July 2002, ALIN-EA and the WorldSpace Foundation conducted a training workshop for groups who have been using this technology and those who plan to use in the future. The purpose of the workshop was to enhance extension workers with skills on WorldSpace digital satellite broadcasting (DSB), to document and share experiences from focal groups, and to plan for content generation for dissemination through DSB. At this training WOUGNET was also provided with WorldSpace satellite radio equipment.

Technology

The project's mission is to help improve the lives of disadvantaged persons in developing regions of the world by providing access to education and other information broadcast directly to radios from satellites.