TECHNICAL REPORT

Grantee
IREX
Project Title Sustainable Development of ICT in Chin State
Amount Awarded USD 43,000
Dates covered by this report: 2023-11-03 to 2024-10-25
Economies where project was implemented Myanmar
Project leader name
Nem Khan Dim
Project Team
Niang Sian Hing, Niang It Nuam, Pau Sawm Tung, Cing Lam Lun,
Pau Khan Tung, Kham Suan Kim, Man Sian Muang, Niang Sian Lun,
Man Khan Nuam, Laang Lam Thawn, Cing San Vung, En Za Cing
Partner organization Techno Valley

Project Summary

Chin State, located in western Myanmar, is a sparsely populated region facing significant economic challenges. It is one of the least economically developed areas in the country. The rugged, mountainous terrain and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the difficulties in delivering essential services to the local population. Additionally, the region has experienced considerable conflicts since early 2021. The lack of substantial natural resources and reliable transportation links has hindered the growth of industrial and Information Communication Technology (ICT) sectors in Chin State.

Given these, to bridge the digital divide and boost economic growth through ICT, our project activities focus on producing the following deliverables.

  • A comprehensive ICT development plan tailored to the specific needs of Chin State.
  • Training of Trainers programs covering essential computer skills, web design, programming, hardware, networking, operating systems, and graphic design. 
  • A research paper presenting findings and data analyses related to the proposed ICT development initiatives.

2. Project Activities

Up to this reporting period, the following project activities have been ongoing:

  • Data collection across Chin State (complete)
  • Data analysis and research paper writing (complete)
  • Curriculum development for ToT (complete)
  • ToT trainings (complete)
Data collection activities

3. Lessons Learned and Recommendations

Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in the planning and implementation of ICT initiatives is crucial to ensure the project meets the actual needs and conditions of the population.

Importance of Local Trainers: Training local trainers proved to be an effective way to ensure the sustainability of ICT education and skills development. Local trainers are more familiar with the cultural and socio-economic context, which enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the training programs.

Infrastructure Challenges: The rugged terrain and poor infrastructure posed significant challenges. Overcoming these requires innovative solutions.

Conflict Sensitivity: The ongoing conflicts in the region highlighted the need for conflict-sensitive approaches in implementing development projects. Ensuring the safety and security of both trainers and participants was paramount.

Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaboration with local governments, NGOs, and community organizations was essential for the successful implementation of the project. Partnerships helped leverage additional resources and expertise, sustained support and funding, making the initiatives more effective and impactful.

Table of Contents

Background and Justification

Chin State, located in western Myanmar, spans 36,019 square kilometers (13,907 sq miles) and has a population of about 500,000. This mountainous region is sparsely populated and underdeveloped, with a poverty rate of 73%, the highest in the country. Poor infrastructure and limited transportation links hinder service delivery, and recent conflicts since February 2021 have displaced many residents. The lack of natural resources and industrial facilities, combined with lagging ICT development, limits opportunities for digital learning, communication, trading, and emergency services.

Techno Valley, established in July 2022, aims to address these challenges by enhancing IT education and services in Chin State. Operating in Tedim and Tonzang townships, Techno Valley offers courses in digital literacy, basic computer skills, data analytics, networking, graphic design, web design, and programming.

However, training youth alone is insufficient to bridge the long-existed digital divide. Addressing this gap requires understanding its root causes, favorable government policies, and appropriate infrastructure. Thus, Techno Valley proposed this project to research and develop a comprehensive ICT development plan for Chin State, and to develop tailored computer courses based on local needs. Given the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds across Chin State's nine townships, the project focuses on training local trainers who can then serve in their respective communities. This approach ensures equitable access to ICT education and services across the entire state. Although there is a few publication on development plan for Chin State, we are not aware of any publication specifically related to ICT and this is the first attempt to provide ToT trainings in ICT subject to the best of our knowledge. 

2. Modification to the original plan

Location: Although the original plan was to conduct on-ground training at the Techno Valley headquarters in Tedim, security issues necessitated relocating the training to Tonzang township, another operational area of Techno Valley.

Project timeline: The payment for project funding was delayed due to the political conflict in Myanmar resulting in adjusted project timeline.

Project Implementation Narrative

1. Data collection

For data collection, we conducted structured interviews, case studies, focus group discussions, and literature reviews.

Structured interviews gathered data on local living conditions, ownership and access to digital devices, Internet access and services, and levels of digital literacy. Data was collected by a focal person in each of the nine townships in Chin State, with 400 to 500 households from each township. Case studies and focus group discussions with community leaders and local organizations explored ICT awareness, past challenges in ICT development, and their causes. This data helped answer research questions and provided guidelines for proposing solutions. Comparisons were made with successful cases from other countries through literature reviews.

Snowball, cluster, and judgment sampling methods were used for structured interviews, focus groups, and case studies. Primary data sources included interviews and discussions, while secondary data came from literature, national census, existing technologies, and political contexts in Chin State and Myanmar. Most data collected were qualitative, analyzed inductively, with some quantitative data (e.g., mobile phone and Internet usage percentages) analyzed using descriptive, regression, and variance analysis techniques.

Data collection activities

2. Training

The Train-the-Trainer (ToT) program was initiated to develop IT skills in Chin State, Myanmar, by providing comprehensive training in various technological disciplines.

The training program comprises four main packages:

  1. Basic Computer and Digital Literacy
  2. Web Design and Programming
  3. Hardware, Operating Systems, and Networking
  4. Graphic Design and Video Editing

Each course is designed to be intensive, with a duration of approximately four to six months, as informed by our preliminary research.

The training was completed with nine participants for each subject, with each participant representing a different township in Chin State, resulting in a total of 36 participants across four subjects. Due to unforeseen security and safety concerns, a key change was made to the initial plan regarding the location and arrangement of the training sessions.

Initially, the training for ToT candidates from nine townships was planned to be conducted at the Head Office of Techno Valley in Tedim. However, for security and safety reasons, it was deemed necessary to conduct the training in Tonzang township. This bifurcation allowed for a safer and more focused training environment, tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the candidates from different townships.

3. Activities struggled to implement

(1) Uniform Data Collection:

Challenge: Ensuring uniformity in data collection across different locations and communities was challenging due to varying levels of ICT awareness and accessibility.

Mitigation: We adapted our data collection methods to be more flexible and context-specific, ensuring comprehensive data coverage despite these variations.

(2) Security

Challenge: The unstable security situation necessitated changes to the original training plan.

Mitigation: By relocating the training to Tonzang City, we ensured participant safety while maintaining training quality.

(3) Resource Allocation:

Challenge: Changing the training location required adjusted resources, including trainers, equipment, and support staff.

Mitigation: We secured additional resources and optimized the existing ones to meet the needs of the training location.

All project activities are supported by local leaders such as village administrator and government officers from different departments. International Research Exchange (IREX) and Zoland Humanitarian Aid Foundation in the USA facilitated the payment process to overcome Australia's sanctions on Myanmar.

Project Activities, Deliverables and Indicators

Beginning of Project

ActivityDescription#Months
Setting up the researchThis includes making research questions, designing the research, choosing appropriate research methods, literature reviews, selecting samples, etc.1
Finding focal personsBecause the research will cover nine townships in Chin State, we will find focal persons from each township. In the future, focal persons will help in collecting research data and delegating ToT candidates.1
Collecting research dataWith the help of focal persons, we will collect data from local people of interest.2

Middle of Project

ActivityDescription#Months
Analyzing dataThe collected research data will be analyzed to draw conclusions and recommendations. From research findings, we will design Computer courses for ToT training.1
ToT TrainingsWe will provide ToT training for basic computer skills, web design, programming, hardware, networking, operating systems and graphic design.6

End of Project

ActivityDescription#Months
Writing paper and project disclosureResearch findings and data analyses will be rendered to a research paper. Necessary activities for project disclosure will be performed.1

Throughout the Project

ActivityDescription
Setting up ToT trainingsWe will find resource persons for ToT trainings, design courses and set up the trainings for blended learning (some courses need to be in-person trainings and some will be online-based).

Key Deliverables

DeliverableStatus
Project initiation documentCompleted
Data CollectionCompleted
ICT Development Plan & ToT Training SyllabusCompleted
ToT TrainingsCompleted
Final reportCompleted

Key Deliverables - Detail

Deliverable: Project initiation document
Status: Completed
Start Date: November 9, 2023
Completion Date: December 25, 2023
Baseline:
Activities:
Outcomes: Project initiation document (September 30, 2023)
Additional Comments: - Research design (research method, samples, analysis method) - Detailed project plan (timeline, resource allocation) By September 30, 2023
Deliverable: Data Collection
Status: Completed
Start Date: March 14, 2024
Completion Date: May 15, 2024
Baseline: Research design and project plan completed
Activities: - Conduct on ground interviews, group discussions, case studies and literature reviews
Outcomes: All research data collected (Dec 31, 2023)
Additional Comments: Finish - Interview answers - Transcribed group discussions - Case study results By December 31, 2023
Deliverable: ICT Development Plan & ToT Training Syllabus
Status: Completed
Start Date: April 5, 2024
Completion Date: April 10, 2024
Baseline: All research data collected and analyzed
Activities: - Analyze collected data - Perform literature reviews - Make ICT development plan for Chin State - Prepare syllabus for ToT trainings
Outcomes: ICT Development Plan & ToT Training Syllabus (January 31, 2024)
Additional Comments: - All research data analyzed - ICT Development Plan for Chin State - Training Syllabuses
Deliverable: ToT Trainings
Status: Completed
Start Date: May 6, 2024
Completion Date: October 10, 2024
Baseline: All training syllabuses ready
Activities: Do trainings for four courses parallelly.
Outcomes: 36 trainees complete the trainings (9 trainees per course)
Additional Comments: Done - Basic Computer and Digital Literacy training - Web Design and Programming training - Hardware, Operating Systems and Networking training - Graphic Design and Video Editing training - 9 trainees per course and total 36 trainees By July 31, 2024
Deliverable: Final report
Status: Completed
Start Date: June 1, 2024
Completion Date: October 10, 2024
Baseline: All project tasks completed
Activities:
Outcomes: - One research paper - One financial report - One finalized project report (August 31, 2024)
Additional Comments: Finalized - One research paper - One financial report - One finalized project report By August 31, 2024

Project Review and Assessment

  1. Achievement of project objectives

The project aimed to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Conduct research on the current state of ICT in Chin State.
  2. Develop an ICT plan tailored to the needs of Chin State.
  3. Develop specialized ICT courses for Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) from Chin State.
  4. Conduct ToT trainings.

As of now, all project objectives have been achieved. The following milestones have been reached:

Research: Data collection and analysis have been completed. This research has provided valuable insights into the current ICT landscape and challenges in Chin State.

ICT Course Development: Syllabuses for ICT courses have been developed. These courses are designed to address the specific needs and context of Chin State.

ICT Development Plan: An ICT development plan was created based on the research findings, outlining a comprehensive strategy for the next seven years.

ICT Plan and ToT Trainings: The activities were completed with the participation of 36 ToT (Training of Trainers) trainees from Chin State, covering four different subjects.

2. Findings

  • Digital divide: The primary finding is that the digital divide in Chin State is mainly due to dysconnectivity caused by low population density and mountainous geography. These factors make infrastructure development challenging and expensive.
  • Infrastructure: 272 cell towers, a figure strikingly low for its vast area of 36,019 km. Electricity availability across the country was lower than 50% (government electricity for about 6 hours a week in Chin State).56% of the population owns mobile phones, about 5% of the population have access to more advanced digital devices like PCs or tablets.
  • ICT research report: A comprehensive report detailing the current state of ICT in Chin State, including barriers and potential solutions.
  • ICT course syllabuses: Tailored course materials designed to equip ToTs with the necessary skills and knowledge to train others in ICT.
  • ICT Development plan: A strategic plan that outlines steps for improving ICT infrastructure and accessibility in Chin State.

3. Plans for Utilization and Promotion

  • Policy advocacy: We will use the research findings to advocate for policy changes and funding from the government and international donors.
  • Community engagement: Promote the ICT courses through community centers and local organizations to ensure widespread participation.
  • Pilot programs: Implement pilot programs in select areas to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ICT plan and courses, thereby encouraging broader adoption.

4. Contribution to Internet Development

The project has laid the groundwork for significant improvements in Internet access and digital literacy in Chin State. By addressing the unique challenges posed by geography and population density, the project is expected to facilitate greater digital inclusion. Early evidence of positive impact includes increased awareness and interest in ICT among local communities and preliminary support from local authorities.

5. Potential for growth

The project has considerable potential for growth and further development. Key areas include:

  • Scaling up: Expanding the ToT trainings to cover more regions within Chin State and eventually other states with similar challenges.
  • Infrastructure development: Partnering with telecommunications companies and the government to improve ICT infrastructure based on the research and ICT plan.
  • Ongoing education: Continuously updating the ICT courses to keep up with technological advancements and emerging needs.
  • Contribution to local technical capacity: The project activities have significantly supported the development of local technical capacity by Training Trainers: Empowering local educators with the skills and knowledge to train others, thereby creating a sustainable model for ICT education.

6. Lessons learned and critical aspects

Several key lessons have been derived from the project, which will be useful for improving future performance:

  • Community Involvement: Engaging the local community from the outset ensures greater acceptance and participation.
  • Tailored Solutions: Solutions must be customized to address the specific challenges and needs of the target population.
  • Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and feedback is crucial for the success of the project.

Certain aspects of the project design, management, and implementation have been particularly important to its success:

Adaptive Management: The ability to adapt to challenges and feedback allowed the project to stay on track and achieve its objectives.

Comprehensive Research: Conducting thorough research provided a strong foundation for all subsequent activities.

Stakeholder Engagement: Involving local stakeholders in the planning and implementation phases ensured that the project was relevant and well-received.

Diversity and Inclusion

1. Women and Gender Diversity

Women constitute about 50% of the project team, with holding key leadership positions. Women and gender-diverse individuals were actively encouraged to participate in project activities, including ToT trainings and data collections. Efforts were made to include individuals with disabilities in the project team, although representation remains an area for improvement. The ToT trainings included sessions on disability awareness and creating an inclusive work environment.

2. Language and Cultural Diversity

Team members from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds from Chin State townships were recruited to ensure representation and inclusivity. Internal communications and training were conducted in both Burmese (common Language in Myanmar) and local dialects where possible. Project activities were conducted in Burmese to ensure broad understanding and participation. Cultural sensitivity training was provided to the project team to ensure respect and inclusivity of the diverse cultural practices in Chin State.

The project has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and social inclusion both within the project team and the communities served. While there are areas for improvement, the progress made thus far has laid a strong foundation for continued efforts. The commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has also inspired positive changes within Techno Valley, reinforcing these values as integral to the organization’s mission and operations.

Project Communication

1. Communication Efforts and Challenges

Internal Communication:

  • Regular team meetings were held bi-weekly to ensure alignment on project goals, progress, and any issues. These meetings were conducted virtually due to travel restrictions and security concerns.
  • A project management tool (Trello) was used to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities, ensuring that all team members were on the same page.

External Communication:

  • Updates on project activities and progress were shared with stakeholders via email and virtual briefings. 
  • Due to the sensitive political situation in Myanmar, public updates on social media, such as Facebook, were significantly reduced to avoid any potential risks. Instead, we utilized encrypted communication channels for secure sharing of information.
  • Challenges faced included the need to constantly adapt communication strategies due to the unstable political climate and Internet connectivity ensuring the safety and security of team members and participants.

2. Promotion of Project Outcomes and Outputs:

  • A comprehensive project report detailing the methodology, findings, and recommendations was prepared and distributed to key stakeholders through secure channels.
  • Efforts are made to submit articles to international journals to reach the broader research community.

3. Engagement with Beneficiaries

  • Local community leaders and members were engaged through focus groups and surveys. This allowed us to gather their input and ensure that the project outcomes were relevant and beneficial to the communities.
  • Regular updates and consultations with community representatives helped maintain trust and ensure their continuous involvement in the project.
  • Feedback from the community was incorporated into the project to make it more responsive to their needs and circumstances.
  • After completion of the project, findings will be shared with government departments and other organizations through collaborative workshops and conferences. These sessions will provide a platform for discussing the implications of our research and exchanging ideas on best practices.

4. Recommendations for Practitioners and Researchers

Adaptability in communication: Given the unpredictable political climate, it's crucial to have flexible communication strategies and to use secure, encrypted channels for sensitive information and adapt public communication methods as needed.

Engaging stakeholders early and often: It is important to involve community members and other stakeholders from the beginning of the project. Regular consultations and feedback loops can enhance project relevance and acceptance.

Leveraging technology for dissemination: Use webinars, virtual conferences, and online platforms to disseminate findings widely. These methods are effective and can reach a broader audience, especially in situations where physical gatherings are not possible.

Focus on security: Ensure the safety and security of all participants, especially in politically unstable regions. This may involve using encrypted communication tools and being cautious about public disclosures.

Project Sustainability

One of the most significant changes observed among the beneficiaries of the project has been the substantial increase in digital literacy and ICT knowledge. Prior to the project's implementation, there was limited access to technology education and resources, leading to a significant digital gap. With the introduction of ICT vocational training and the development of a comprehensive ICT Development Plan, beneficiaries will have a deeper understanding of digital tools and the potential of ICT in transforming their personal and professional lives.

Significance of This Change

Reduction of the digital gap: The project's success in enhancing digital literacy is a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide in Chin State. By providing access to technology education, the project ensures that more people can participate in the digital economy, thereby reducing regional disparities.

Sustainable development: Focusing on training the trainers has a multiplying effect. By creating a cadre of skilled ICT trainers, the project ensures that the knowledge transfer is sustainable and scalable. These trainers can continue to educate others, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development in ICT.

Job opportunities and economic growth: With enhanced ICT knowledge, beneficiaries are more equipped to take on new job opportunities within the technology sector, leading to increased household income. This economic upliftment is vital for the overall development of Chin State and contributes to reducing poverty levels.

Inclusive development: The project's emphasis on including disadvantaged populations such as children, women, people with disabilities, and the elderly ensures that the benefits of ICT development are equitably distributed. This inclusivity is significant for social cohesion and ensuring that no group is left behind in the digital transformation.

Improved ICT policy and infrastructure: In the long term, the project’s impact on ICT policy and infrastructure will facilitate a more robust and supportive environment for further technological advancements in Chin State. This will attract more investments and development projects, fostering a more open, stable, secure, and accessible digital ecosystem.

Alignment with regional goals: The project's objectives align with ISIF Asia’s mission to advance Internet development in the Asia Pacific region, contributing to the broader goal of creating a connected and inclusive digital society.

Project Management

1. Enhanced Administrative Processes:

For this project, Techno Valley implemented several enhancements to its usual administrative processes to ensure efficient project management. These included:

Dedicated project management team: Establishing a team specifically tasked with overseeing the project to ensure focused and specialized administrative support.

Regular monitoring and evaluation: Instituting frequent check-ins and progress evaluations to track the project’s milestones and address any issues promptly.

Streamlined communication channels: Improving internal communication channels to facilitate better coordination between different departments and stakeholders involved in the project.

These enhanced administrative measures contributed significantly to the project's success by ensuring timely and efficient execution of tasks, swift resolution of issues, and maintaining alignment with project goals.

2. Organizational Changes Inspired by the Project

Cultural shift towards innovation: The project fostered a culture of innovation and adaptability within Techno Valley. Staff members were encouraged to think creatively and propose new ideas for project implementation and problem-solving.

Capacity building: The project emphasized the importance of capacity building, not just for the beneficiaries but also within the organization. Staff members underwent training to enhance their skills in project management, ICT, and community engagement, which in turn improved overall organizational competency.

Increased collaboration: There was a noticeable increase in collaboration across different departments. The cross-functional teamwork required for the project led to better inter-departmental relationships and a more cohesive organizational structure.

3. Organizational Consolidation and Strengthened Credibility

Strengthening of credibility: Successfully executing a project of this scale and impact has significantly bolstered Techno Valley's reputation as a capable and reliable organization. This will be particularly evident in the increased trust from local communities, government bodies, and potential partners once we can communicate the project outcomes up on its completion.

Consolidation of organizational structure: The project has helped consolidate Techno Valley’s organizational structure by highlighting areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes. 

Broadened network and influence: By working closely with various stakeholders, the project has expanded Techno Valley’s network and influence, enabling more collaborative efforts in the future. The organization is now better positioned to advocate for ICT development and secure further funding and support.

Sustainability

1. Handover of Project Solution to the Community

Status of handover: Up on the completion of the project,  the ICT development plan will be presented to the state government and civil society organizations, establishing a foundational step for community ownership. 

Community reception: The reception has been positive, with local stakeholders showing enthusiasm and readiness to engage in ICT development. However, the full handover is still a work in progress, with continued support from Techno Valley being essential to ensure a smooth transition.

Exit strategy: As part of the exit strategy, Techno Valley will maintain an advisory role, offering technical support and guidance to ensure trainers can sustain and expand the training programs. This support network is crucial for fostering local ownership and ensuring the longevity of the project’s benefits.

2. Opportunities for Future Development and Growth

New funding and partnerships: The project has opened doors for new funding opportunities. The involvement of the Zoland Humanitarian Aid Foundation in funding affordable 5G WiFi Radio installations is a direct outcome of the project's success. This partnership not only enhances connectivity but also paves the way for future collaborations.

Potential for further development: The positive impact and visibility of the project have generated interest from other potential sponsors and investors. Continued efforts to showcase the project’s success and its benefits will likely attract more funding, enabling further expansion and enhancement of ICT infrastructure and training programs.

3. Support for Future Developments

Techno Valley plans to support future developments by:

  • Building and maintaining a robust network of ICT trainers across Chin State.
  • Providing resources and assistance for further capacity development programs.
  • Engaging with government bodies to ensure that the ICT development plan is implemented and refined based on the evolving needs of the community.
  • Seeking new funding opportunities to support and expand project activities, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Project Recommendations and Use of Findings

Recommendations and Insights

1. Informed Decision-Making

Adaptive management: Throughout the reporting period, project findings and lessons learned played a critical role in shaping decision-making processes. The practice of adaptive management, where decisions are adjusted based on real-time data and feedback, was crucial. 

Enhanced training programs: Insights gained from the initial training sessions helped refine and enhance subsequent training programs. Feedback from trainees was used to adjust the curriculum, making it more relevant and effective for the local context.

2. Future Planning and Technical Community Impact

Strategic planning for future projects: The lessons learned from this project are informing Techno Valley’s future strategic planning. Key takeaways such as the importance of adaptive management, the need for robust procurement strategies, and the value of local capacity building are being integrated into future project designs.

Policy advocacy: Findings related to the benefits of improved ICT infrastructure and policy will be used to advocate for stronger government support. This includes pushing for more favorable ICT policies and increased investment in digital infrastructure in Chin State.

Strengthening community engagement: Future projects will place an even greater emphasis on community engagement from the outset. The success seen in Chin State underscores the importance of involving local stakeholders in every phase of the project, from planning to execution.

Recommendations for Practitioners and Researchers

Engage local communities early: Start with community engagement from the very beginning. Understanding the local context and gaining community buy-in are crucial for the success of any project.

Invest in capacity building: Focus on building local capacity, especially by training trainers who can continue the work independently. This ensures sustainability and scalability of the project.

Adaptive project management: Implement adaptive management practices. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on ongoing feedback and real-time data. Flexibility is key to overcoming unexpected challenges.

Robust procurement planning: Develop a detailed procurement plan that accounts for potential delays, especially in remote areas. Establish strong relationships with suppliers and have contingency plans in place.

Share knowledge and collaborate: Actively share project findings and lessons learned with other organizations. Collaboration and knowledge sharing can lead to better outcomes for all involved.

Continuous monitoring and evaluation: Set up continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Regularly assessing progress and making necessary adjustments can greatly enhance project effectiveness and impact.

Leverage partnerships: Build strong partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Collaboration can provide additional resources and support, helping to achieve project goals more effectively.

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