Hafkin Prize Criteria

The theme for the 2004/5 Hafkin Prize is: Community connectivity projects for economic development

"Connectivity is a term referring to the means by which people are connected to or are able to access communications channels such as the internet, email, computer and people networks."

The theme for this year's award recognises community initiatives that use the internet and other digital communication networks to access markets, skills and opportunities to derive real economic benefits.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

APC's objective is to recognize African ICT efforts, and to extract some of the lessons learned in order to make them accessible to others doing related work.

Nominations will be judged according to these 3 main criteria:

1. Positive Economic Impact

• The project demonstrates a positive economic contribution to the community
• Has a long term vision for sustaining impact which includes training and developing local expertise
• Provides an equal opportunity for participation by the community regardless of sex, religion, political persuasion or income levels
• Is documented so that others can learn from the model

2. Africa-Driven and Developing Africa

• Developed and implemented by people and/or organisations based in Africa
• Must be local and community-based

3. Sustainable use of technology

• Offers or makes use of technology that is available and supported locally
• Demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between technology and the needs of the community on the ground. Extra points will be awarded for projects that predominantly use free and open source software and projects that utilise Africa's natural resources (e.g. solar power)

THE PRIZE IS OPEN TO: civil society organisations, community-based groups, networks, and social movements anywhere in Africa. Applications will be accepted in English and French.

THE PRIZE: USD$7,500.00 will be shared amongst up to three winning initiatives.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: February 14, 2005

	This prize is possible thanks to the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada. The APC Hafkin Prize is an initiative of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC)