EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - e-Cooperation

e-Cooperation - Nice, France

Introduction

Fourteen youth organisations in the district of Saint Augustin have set up an interactive virtual network on which they can share diaries and exchange information.

Problem

How can local organisations collaborate better to identify and tackle particular problems?

Description

26 members of sports and neighbourhood associations, youth work organisations, halfway houses and schools are offered training courses at the regional institute of administration and policy in Bastia. The course consists of a project management module and an ICT module. Ater the course the organisations collaborate to create a data bank and exchange information via a secure website. Every month the organisations discuss particular problems at a meeting.

The project in Saint Augustin is part of a contract between the city of Nice and the central government.

Results

Members of a number of organisations took the course together. This was when the exchange of information began.
Some organisations had never worked with email or the Internet. After the course they are able to collaborate on running a website.
The organisations now have a better idea of each other's work. This makes for better understanding all round.
The approach to problems in the district is now more coherent. Some particular problems have come to light, such as forced marriage and the lack of childcare facilities. Separate working parties have been set up to examine these themes.
In 2003 the organisations opened part of the website to the district's residents so that they can consult the public agenda, decisions taken by the local council, and the latest news. Residents can also post messages and small ads. There is also a plan to set up a housing exchange.
Virtual contact needs to be augmented with physical contact between the collaborating organisations, otherwise there is a danger that enthusiasm will wane.

Contact info

Mission Politique de la Ville Nice
Ms. Agnès Lepeudry (project co-ordinator city contract), tel. +33 497132225

Project start date

20/08/2004

Links

Mayetic - Collaborative workspace

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Support for local groups