InfoXchange Supports 'Info Timor'

The innovative Not for Profit technology organisation, InfoXchange, is using its expertise to help improve communication technologies in East Timor.

Infoxchange Australia’s Executive Director, Andrew Mahar, has just returned from a visit to Baucau in East Timor where Infoxchange is supporting the establishment of ‘Info Timor’, a social enterprise that supports information and communication technology across East Timor.

The Info Timor enterprise has been operating for twelve months and has a sustainable business model.

Andrew Mahar says this is a remarkable achievement and is testimony to the commitment of the young East Timorese staff who spent time in Melbourne last year learning how to become technicians.

To date the enterprise has supported schools, non-governmental organisations, community centres and government offices including the District Administration, the Department of Education, police and prisons through the provision of refurbished computers and technical support services.

During Andrew’s visit he met with the Minister for Education to discuss the rollout of computers to all secondary schools across East Timor.

Part of the rollout will be the implementation of the ‘Ubuntu’ desktop operating software that will allow computers to be used in any East Timor’s four main languages.

Infoxchange is also developing a pilot project to establish a wireless intranet network in Baucau. This network will allow internet technology to be used to build a local communications network.

The vision of Infoxchange Australia is Technology for Social Justice – empowering people through access to technology.

To find out more about InfoXchange go to www.infoxchange.org.au