Web envoys get to spread the word
Thursday, February 12, 2009, The Standard - Hong Kong
Information technology is so popular nowadays that university students turn to the internet not only to gather information and do their assignments, but also to make friends or chat.
I recently noticed that an internet organization is holding the first NetMission Ambassadors Program on university campuses. Students are being recruited as volunteers to help narrow the "digital divide" - that is, the gap between people with access to digital and information technology and those with limited or no access - and promote social activities involving the use of the internet.
They will also have a chance of going on two exchange tours in Asia.
This has a special significance.
During a chat with organizer DotAsia's charity project development manager Elaine Cheng, I was told that the recruitment of ambassadors began earlier this month. Participating students have to come up with what the organizer calls an "i.Think" proposal and discuss its relevance to issues such as the digital divide, personal privacy and online security for children.
After a screening interview, those chosen as NetMission ambassadors will take part in seminars, workshops, site visits and training camps.
They will also have to implement two community services based on the proposal they submit. NetMission ambassadors will also have a chance to represent Hong Kong in the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre's 28th international conference, to be held in Beijing in August, to discuss issues related to internet governance.
At the end of the year, they will visit another Asian city on an exchange tour involving local university students and information technology professionals.
Cheng told me the organizer had noticed the digital divide problem has received less attention in Hong Kong.
In fact, many old people and children from grassroots families do not have access to information technology. This has worsened the problem of intergenerational conflict. Some children think their parents are unable to keep up with the times because they cannot use the internet, making it harder to maintain harmony in family relations.
In addition, last year there was a spate of negative news concerning the internet, so much so that even the education sector has some misunderstandings about the internet.
Cheng said: "Some people think of the internet as a monster while others think it only has to do with IT people and is not related to education. We think the internet and daily life have become inseparable. The main point is to cultivate a correct attitude and behavior in the user. And because of this, the scheme was born."
According to Cheng, the organizer had intentionally not contacted IT- related faculties in the institutions, and instead cooperated directly with student affairs' offices. This reflects that the internet is not just for IT people; it is a cross-territorial issue in which everyone can take part.
Cheng hopes to recruit a group of NetMission ambassadors who have a sense of mission and responsibility and are willing to devote considerable time to the scheme.
I have heard of university students taking part in many voluntary projects so they can get a certificate which they can use later when looking for employment.
Actually, as they are part of the social elite, university students should repay the community through voluntary services.
I hope these NetMission ambassadors reflect upon internet issues that have been neglected by society and contribute to their community through the information technology they are so familiar with to establish a safe and harmonious internet environment.
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