Jensen M. & Esterhuysen A. (2001) The community telecentre cookbook for Africa: How to Establish a Multi-purpose Community Telecentre in Africa,  Paris: UNESCO

Online: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001230/123004e.pdf

Although interest in Telecentres is widespread, they are a new concept, so there is a shortage of knowledge on how to establish and sustain them, especially in Africa. Most of the existing introductory texts, guidelines and manuals have been written for Telecentre operators in developed countries.

The aim of this manual is to draw upon existing knowledge and materials and adapt them to the African context in a style, which is user-friendly and makes few assumptions about the user’s knowledge. This manual is aimed at any person or organisation that is interested in setting up a community-based Telecentre, such as a telecom operator, an NGO, a community group, a local government or a small business.

The manual introduces the concept of telecentres and different types and levels of service, giving some examples of centres in Senegal, Uganda and South Africa. It goes through the process of setting up a telecentre step by step, from developing a business plan and involving the community to staff recruitment and training. Appendices include useful forms, a model business plan and equipment needs.