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Distribution Programme that started in 1997. KADO also oper-
ates programmes to distribute special software and assistive
technology to help people with disabilities, and to develop
content for underprivileged sectors of the population. Through
various educational programmes, KADO offers ICT education
opportunities to people with disabilities, senior citizens, and low-
income families. KADO also conducts policy research and
development projects to assess the effectiveness of digital divide
alleviation programmes and monitor the state of the digital divide.
For the promotion of a healthy information culture and
lifestyle, KADO is currently conducting programmes to prevent
the ill effects of informatization, promote the use of positive
information, and prevent internet addiction. KADO set up the
Korea Internet Volunteers Programme in 2001 to bridge the
global digital divide. As of 2005, 1 026 volunteers in 270 teams
have been sent to 52 countries. KADO also developed a plan
to provide two IACs per year to developing countries. Beginning
with the IAC in Cambodia in 2002, it has established seven
IACs in seven countries so far, and another IAC will be added
by the end of 2005. Through the Korea IT Learning (KoIL)
programme, designed to nurture IT talents in developing coun-
tries, 1 500 policymakers and technicians representing 84
countries were trained as of 2004. Most of KADO’s projects and
programmes are executed with the cooperation of numerous
partners. In order to ensure success all the partners, whether
they are private corporations, public institutions, government
agencies, or international groups, are striving to do their best
in their respective fields.
Unlimited potential
The Unlimited Potential Programme demonstrates KADO’s
endeavours to bridge the digital divide through multi-stakeholder
partnerships. This programme, headed by Microsoft, aims to
address computer literacy in order to promote balanced social
development. As Microsoft’s partner in this endeavour, KADO
provides IT education for the elderly in Korea with the aim of
narrowing the digital divide between generations, expanding
social and economic participation by senior citizens, and foster-
ing utilization of the elderly workforce. After signing a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Microsoft in July
2004, KADO established Community Technology Learning
Centres (CTLCs) for the elderly at university campuses and 20
senior citizen welfare centres across the nation for the purposes
of promoting elderly participation in the information society and
developing information utilization skills among the elderly popu-
lation. Since its creation, a total of 1 661 students have been
educated at the CTLC. In 2005, plans are underway to transform
the existing basic learning centres to specialized learning centres
and to nurture 140 elderly teachers at each facility.
KADO and Microsoft have also signed a letter of intent to further
develop their partnership. Adding to the joint Microsoft-KADO
Unlimited Potential IT skills training project for silvers, both parties
KADO and Microsoft are helping the elderly to learn ICT skills