Workshop on ODC website and information on access to public services in Siem Reap
Last week, the ODC team ended the week with an exciting workshop under a project theme of “Public Awareness of and Engagement in Government Service Delivery” funded by Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), at Angkor Hotel Siem Reap, just a short tuk-tuk ride away from the breathtaking temple ruins. We reached out to 22 community representatives from Prasat Bakong (Kampong Phluk), Soutr Nikom (Kampong Khleang), Puok (Kaev Poar and Pou Treay) districts, and Krong Siem Reap (Chong Kneas, and Chreav) in Siem Reap province with the help of Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT), and gathered them for a full-day workshop on Friday 16 June 2017. Through this workshop, we aimed to promote the public awareness of ODC’s open data platform, a newly published profile on access to public services, and guide the community members and their representatives on how to utilize the website to their own needs.
Mr. THY Try, ODC executive director/editor-in-chief, giving a welcome speech to the participants
Through a series of presentations and activities, the team spent an engaging day with the community members. Helming the workshop was none other than our executive director, Mr. Try, who got introductions going around the meeting room. The variety of communities at the table brought along different concerns and issues, sparking off an exciting workshop with an interactive exchange of ideas and knowledge.
Ms. Heng Huy Eng leading a section on internet security
With a fully packed day ahead, the participants first learnt the basics of internet safety, with tips and tricks given by Ms. Heng Huy Eng, our in-house tech expert, with accompanying eye-catching PowerPoint visuals. Armed with renewed knowledge of safe internet access, the participants were greeted with an array of snacks as refreshments for a quick break.
Community representatives trying out the website with the help of Mr. Punwath
After the break, it was time for the participants to get familiar with the ODC site. The team spread out, giving guidance to the participants when needed as Mr. Try gave an overview of the website, highlighting profile pages relevant to them, such as Census, and Fisheries Conservation Areas. For the rest of the day, after a satisfying lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, participants were guided through hands-on activities, finding information from the Access to Public Service profile page, and from the maps consolidated by the team, by Ms. Vatana and Mr. Punwath respectively.
Participants testing out their knowledge on their own devices
Mr. Try facilitating the feedback session through a game of pass the ball – bringing out the fun in everyone
After a whole day of activities and learning, the team rounded up the session with reflections and feedback from the participants, who expressed their needs and wants, such as having more of such workshops, as well as the need to create networks with such relevant communities.
Celebrating the end of a fulfilling day
The ODC team would like to thank our participants for their enthusiasm, as well as all the supporting parties that contributed to the success of this workshop in Siem Reap. As part of the SPIDER program, we are organizing such a workshop every two months in different parts of Cambodia, so keep a lookout for more of our events, and follow us on our website (opendevcam.net) and social media (Facebook and Twitter) for updates on our work!
Last update: 23th June 2017
