Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Communications & PR - CaribbeanGlobal_PR Group Meeting

TNC , Dublin, May 2014Presented by Colleen WintCommunications & International Relations Manager, CKLN

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Contents UPDATE

• Main Activities – Communications

• Main Activities – International Relations

• Feedback and Impact

• Objectives for 2014

• Proposed Activities - 2104

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

The Caribbean is one of the newest global R&E networks

Challenges for R&E Network and NREN development in the region include population size, geographic size and spread as well as equity and access

Over 20 countries – 4 primary languages: English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and various Creoles and indigenous languages

Total Caribbean population – 42.2 Million – just under the population of Spain (46.6M)

Mostly islands but some mainland countries –CARICOM members, as well as 5 associate members that are still UK territories

The Caribbean Context for and R&E Network

Comparative Size (Sq. Miles)

Comparative Population

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Global R&E Networks Showing Emerging Caribbean

National R&E Networks

C@ribNET is the Caribbean's first dedicated R&E Network, with connectivity to

the rest of the world's R&E networks

EU funds were secured and spread across 19 (nineteen) countries to support • the development of the core, • the international connections, and also • provided infrastructure for the NRENs.

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

BZREN

BAHAREN

TTRENT

ORENJREN

RADEICORPUH

A

SUREN

B@RNET

Emerging NRENs in the

Caribbean

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Due to the varying levels of readiness of the emerging NRENs, the CKLN Assembly has agreed that C@ribNET should be strengthened to operate as a Regional-REN.

C@ribNET will become the main R&E connectivity provider for all institutions in the Caribbean, while the building blocks for the in-country NRENs are developed and cemented.

CKLN is therefore: assuming the role of providing

NREN services to institutions facilitating the development of

NRENs through collaboration with the national resources.

  

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

2013 Communications & PR Activities

Launch of C@ribNET

2nd Assembly of NRENs

Press releases, photos produced and distributed

Develop Materials and merchandise for Launch and 2nd Assembly

Visibility (in person) at various meetings and conferences (UWI Hospital (Mona), HWFMU , UWICHART, Ministry of Health (Jamaica), CARICOM-UN meeting

Discussions & collaboration with RedCLARA re C@ribNET Portal

CKLN News Update (online newsletter) produced and circulated (25+% of 650 potential readers)

Share opportunities & events with stakeholders (Esp. scholarship or research opportunities)

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

2013 Communications & PR Activities

Start discussions & planning for 3rd Assembly

CKLN News Update (25% of 1500+)

Communication discussions with NRENs – main issues were governance/registration and need for demonstrations of C@ribNET for buy-in

Initiate bi-monthly communiqués to OECS Ministers

CARICOM agencies Workshop (plus pre-workshop survey)

CARICOM agencies Workshop (plus pre-workshop survey)

HWFMU pilot in collaboration with HWFMU, JREN, UWI Mona and SVUS – Non-invasive surgery demonstration

Press release on Pilot (25% of over 1600, plus republishing on other sites)

Participate in Annual Caribbean Conference on Disaster Management – Education Sector Sub-Committee

Presentation and contributing panelist at CTU ICT Week Conference

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Feedback & Impact

Positive feedback to launch and live demo from national, regional and international attendees

Positive feedback from other regional/international partners on launch

Greater Interest from international networks for collaboration

Positive feedback on 2nd Assembly & suggestions for 3rd

National and institutional interest by MOH (Ja.) and UWI Hospital for greater reach

UWI Hospital for greater reach

Greater knowledge and recognition of CKLN at OECS,CARICOM-UN level, in Pacific region

Interest by Pacific region in Caribbean NREN developments

Greater knowledge and understanding of the potential of C@ribNET and C@ribNET portal by CARICOM agencies

Establishment of 17 communities on portal

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Challenges

Perception that only large universities/institutions can be involved

Perception that only larger islands are /can participate

Some potential projects not coming to fruition – funds, interest, agendas etc change.

Limited/no involvement of some NRENs in local projects - seen as CKLN projects

Slow adaptation of C@ribNET Portal => challenging and uninviting for users

Little/no time to address Facebook or other social media

Uneven development of NRENs, govt. support, institutional support

Seemingly low (?) readership of news letters and communiqué's (average 25+%)

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Status - Impact on Communications & PR 2014

C@ribNET is technically functional and connected to all the international networks

The CKLN is moving from a Foundation to an official Agency of the Caribbean Community (CARIOM) Secretariat

CARICOM has developed a strategy for a single ICT space for the region

Caribbean governments have confirmed their approval and support for CKLN to implement C@ribNET as the region’s dedicated R&E network

A number of changes and events have taken place over the past few months that impact the audiences for which information has to be disseminated. These changes include:

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Status - Impact on Communications & PR 2014

Regional ICT and Education Ministers are supportive of the C@ribNET initiative

Some emerging NRENs are in advanced stages of development in the region

CKLN is now has a more developed network engineering group

Partner networks have indicated their willingness to assist CKLN and C@ribNET in its development

C@ribNET is considered one of the main vehicles for Euro-Caribbean research

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Proposed Activities for 2014-15

Primary Communications & PR objectives

DEMONSTRATE, DEMONSTRATE, DEMONSTRATE

Strengthen C@ribNET Portal (esp. more “user friendly”) and encourage its use

Work with the “Coalition of the willing” to execute VIRTUAL EVENTS

2014 - Transitional year – CKLN is identifying additional funding

CARICOM is in negotiations with the EU for EDF11 funds.

ICT is a CARICOM priority, and C@ribNET a major platform==>

Indications from international donors suggests continued support for C@ribNET and the development of NRENs

High expectations for securing funds from the EU for C@ribNET beyond 2015.

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Communications Objectives for 2014

We usually communicate evidence, information and knowledge in order to inspire and inform an audience to impact some action/activity, to fulfill an identified knowledge gap.

Demonstrate our successes The Primary Communication Goal is to demonstrate (inform and

inspire) CKLN as a credible CARICOM agency, responsible for and capable of contributing to upgrading and diversifying the skills and knowledge of human resources in the region through greater regional collaboration and connectivity.

Encourage Use the network

Secondary Communication Goal is to demonstrate the benefits of C@ribNET (inform and inspire) for Caribbean users involved in Research, Education and Development activities between the Caribbean and the rest a of the world

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Proposed Activities for 2014-15

ICT Ministers/COTED Meeting via C@ribNET

3rd NREN Assembly AT least 3 CKLN events using

C@ribNET (health, e-learning, Climate Change/Sustainable Development)

Attend/participate/present in Internet 2 Global Conference

Produce advocacy materials (e.g. videos)

Communications support to emerging NRENs

News Letter (virtual)Promote other regional events (health, culture, climate change, disaster managementProduce promotional videoContinue to update websiteDemonstrate use of C@ribNET to/with national, regional and international stakeholdersUtilise and/or create Advocacy and Promotion opportunities, events & materials for C@ribNETStrengthen and promote use of C@ribNET portalCommunications surrounding Security Project

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Promoting Greater NREN Involvement in New Impact Projects

Education

Health Crime & Security

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

HealthHUGH WYNTER FERTILITY MANAGEMENT UNIT, UWI PILOT TELECAST • Introduced and demonstrated Minimal

Access Surgery (MAS) and promoted current and potential uses of C@ribNET to enhance the services of the Unit to benefit students and its clientele

• Another demonstration was made to Ministers of ICT and included a connection to JANET in the UK

DENGUE FEVER AND CHICKUNGUNYA (or CHICK-V) SEMINAR The main objectives are to:

Initiate the establishment of a medical/health related community with a focus on dengue fever that uses the R&E networks in the Caribbean and Latin American region

Demonstrate core principal of CARICOM - functional cooperation – CKLN, CARPHA, CTO, CCCCC

Collaborate with DANTE, TEIN*CC, RedCLARA and Internet 2

June 12, 2014, in T&T

.

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

Crime & Security

CARIBBEAN POLICE ACADEMY PROJECT Goal of the project is to connect 13 Caribbean

countries together using virtual collaboration technology to facilitate

- Regional Training - Enhancing regional security - Strengthening collaboration among member institutions and extra-regional partners. 35 Police training academies from across the

Caribbean will be connected to C@ribNET

The CKLN will enable each institution to participate fully and securely on the same platform fostering:- Information Sharing- Collaboration - Streamlined Training Delivery

.

The partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and CKLN

benefits the entire region

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

MINI MASTER CLASS IN STEEL PAN –C@RIBNET LAUNCH –FEB 2013

Education

MINI MASTER CLASS IN STEEL PAN –C@ribNET Launch - Feb. 2013

Collaboration between CKLN/C@ribNET, Internet 2 and JANET enabled this mini master class. Dan Nichols, Internet 2 Multimedia Specialist, provided invaluable assistance and guidance and even provided a short lecture to students at the University of Trinidad & Tobago

EduVision 2014CKLN supported JREN’s participation in EduVIsion 2014, Montego Bay Jamaica

Interactive workshops for academics, college lecturers etc:• Collaboration with JREN

More master classes to include smaller islands

and institutions

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

MINI MASTER CLASS IN STEEL PAN –C@RIBNET LAUNCH –FEB 2013

We welcome further collaboration, support and

partnerships with fellow Global-PR Members

THANK YOU!

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network

ContactColleen WintCommunications & International Relations ManagerCaribbean Knowledge and Learning Network, CKLNEmail: colleen.wint@ckln.org Mobile: (876) 370-3628Website: www.ckln.org