Update on Broadband for Suai
At a meeting of stakeholders initiated by the Friends of Suai and held in Suai in August, Emanuel Braz representing the International Centre for Journalists is reported as saying that ICFJ were not setting up a new Regional Media House in Suai. The ICFJ were aiming to support the Youth Media Centre (YoMaTre) to operate as a media house for international journalists in addition to supporting its current activities.
Ergilio Vicente, (Co-ordinator of the Suai Youth Centre) who oversees and manages staff of YoMaTre, reports that “the presence of ICFJ is also to provide Internet access to YoMaTre (at the Youth Centre) and the Community Centre, (the home of the Friends of Suai management and activities in Suai).”
He further reported that it was possible for both organisations (the Community Centre and YoMaTre), to open Internet access centres for the local community to generate income for the future of the Media House.
The International Centre for Journalists have recently announced an additional $A500,000 to the ‘Strengthening of Independent Media Program’ (a five year program) from AusAid that will provide financial security to the initiative which has major funding from USAID. Press Release
It was made clear at the stakeholders’ meeting in Suai that realization of the program requires a partnership between ICFJ, the Friends of Suai, Info Timor and the Youth Centre or YoMaTre, which ever is appropriate. It was envisaged that the role of Info Timor would be to train local people in ICT Management and Maintenance.
At a later meeting between ICFJ representative Emanuel Braz , Ergilio Vicente and Nato representing YoMaTre, Emanuel explained that the arrangement in Suai is different to that being set up in the other districts. The Media House in the other five districts of Bacau, Lautem, Maubesse, Oecusse and Viqueue are under an Association but in Suai it will operate independently because YoMaTre have similar objectives.
A positive outcome for the Youth Media Centre, YoMaTre, is the offer by ICFJ to provide specific programs to complement the development of YoMaTre in the form of basic journalist training, camera and editing and scriptwriting with a small fund to employ a staff member to manage and operate the media house. ICFJ are clear that this assistance comes to Suai to provide space and access for journalists to make and distribute local and national news. ICFJ also indicated they would provide training in small business planning to assist the Media Centre to generate and manage income in the future.
This news all adds up to a revolutionary change for Suai where the people have been isolated by their geography, especially since the destruction perpetrated upon them by Indonesian backed militia in 1999.
It is also providing very welcome opportunities and much needed training for at some local youth who, according to one young man, are turning to alcohol and drugs because they are losing hope.
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