Sergio Aranda, LearnLink Resident Advisor and Coordinator of amic@s

The success of the amic@s project has depended more on the enthusiasm, commitment and innovation of Sergio Aranda than on complex technology. Sergio is a highly skilled computer professional, and the project has benefitted from these skills. However, the success achieved so far is due as much to his commitment to the CLC concept and the potential of the amic@s to make a real difference in the lives of less fortunate citizens of Asunción as it is to his technical expertise.

PARTNERSHIPS
Excite everyone. This is one of the lessons that has emerged from the amic@ experience. The public, private and voluntary sectors have valuable roles to play, and collaboration among them is critical for success. Wisely, the CLC coordinator recognizes that all stand to gain from amic@ involvement, and his “win-win” approach to partnership development is starting to bear fruit. For example . . .

Planet Internet
Because services are free or nominal at amic@s, inventive ways of keeping the centers going with limited funding are necessary. Planet Internet, the second largest Internet Service Provider in Paraguay, has offered free internet connectivity for one year in exchange for placing PR materials in the centers. Because a free service will not be possible when all 12 CLCs are running, the long-term may include amic@ training for Planet’s new customers in exchange for discounted Internet access. Creative collaborations will be fueled in part by the desire of a Planet Internet executive for people to have access to the internet culture. This is one of several private sector partnerships that bodes well for the future sustainability of the amic@s.