Dear  Parish Administrators, Parish Secretaries, Commission Administrators and School Principals,

 I am writing to inform you of a very exciting new initiative taking place in the Archdiocese.  The Archdiocese of Port of Spain is launching a new initiative with regard to developing its Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) strategy.  This strategy is being lead by CAMSEL in collaboration with CREDI.

This letter serves to:

• give you a little background on the initiative, and what you can expect – this is contained in the attached information sheet,
• and also to introduce you to the two young gentlemen who will be conducting the initial survey for us. 

	Chukwuma Emesiani (Chuma)  and Keon Legiere  will be conducting a face-to-face visit to your office to allow us to determine the current technologies, and potential ability of your office to be part of the overall ICT strategy.  The survey will take about 1 hour and will greatly assist us in planning the way forward. Your assistance with providing the information to Chuma and Keon is much appreciated.
Chukwuma Emesiani		Keon Legiere

I look forward to your participation in this effort, and being part of an easier and more effective way of operating/communicating throughout the Archdiocese – ultimately building the new Archdiocese community.

Msgr Cuthbert Alexander
Vicar for Communications

The Archdiocese ICT Strategy

What is ICT? 

ICT (information and communications technology - or technologies) is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning.

ICT is defined as a “diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to create, disseminate, store, and manage information.” These technologies include computers, the Internet, broadcasting technologies (radio and television), and telephony.

The importance of ICTs lies less in the technology itself than in its ability to create greater access to information and communication in underserved populations. Many countries around the world have established organizations for the promotion of ICTs, because it is feared that unless less technologically advanced areas have a chance to catch up, the increasing technological advances in developed nations will only serve to exacerbate the already-existing economic gap between technological "have" and "have not" areas.  

In recent years, there has been a groundswell of interest in how computers and the Internet can best be harnessed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of education at all levels and in both formal and non-formal settings.

Why do we need this?

• Have you tried to get messages out to all the schools and commissions and parishes in the Archdiocese – what a hassle!
• Have you tried to organize a meeting of various stakeholders to discuss a particular event & keep track of who is coming  – tiresome!
• You need to set up an important meeting – only to find out that other parishes are having something on the same day as you!
• Have you tried to get feedback on a new programme you have set up? UGH!
• Are we making the most out of communications and technology options that are all around us now?   Do we have SKYPE? Email? Easy access to online information?
• Can we work smarter & eliminate a lot of paper wastage?
• Is it difficult to keep track of what various commissions/parishes/schools are doing?
• Is there sometimes duplication of effort within the Archdiocese just because we are working in our own bubbles?

What is the plan?

• We look to understand the current use/state of ICT in the Archdiocese  - we will be going to all parishes/commissions/schools to do a survey in person over 3months
• We will develop a prototype of what the new communications methods and information technology will look like with representatives from your groups in interactive workshops
• We will develop a local support super user in your community
• We will determine user feedback on the new ideas and demand for implementation in groups – online survey
• We will build up a budget and source infrastructure required
• We will set up a schedule for rollout of ideas aligned to demand.
• We will develop a training programme for users

How can I expect to benefit from this?

• Email account for every Archdiocese entity
• Standard application packages – accounts, word processing etc
• Instant messaging and real-time contact with colleagues – avoid telephone calls
• Intranet access with useful Archdiocese and other relevant information specific to your needs
• Shared document filing
• Shared contact lists
• Shared real-time calendars throughout Archdiocese
• I T literacy training

How will this impact me?   Key people in schools/parishes/commissions will be asked:

• To participate in various ways :
• surveys,
• working groups on new ideas,
• rolling out of new idea,
• nominating local super user
• For feedback throughout the initiative
• To help develop budgets and source funds

What’s happening next?

• You will be contacted to participate in the nationwide survey of the current state of events – your time is much appreciated – this will not take more than 1hour of your time, and if you already have email/fax we can send to you in advance.
• I am sure that there are lots of interested and experienced folks in our schools/parishes/commissions eager to assist us in this vital new project…. Let us know who you are:  call CREDI at 623 2895.