To build a better and more peaceful life for people in war-torn and economically
disadvantaged regions of the world through humanitarian programs using advanced technology.
WiRED emerged this year from humble beginnings. Started as a personal effort by Dr.
Gary Selnow to help schoolchildren in Croatia, WiRED is now a respected, effective international humanitarian organization. As with all
good ideas, a driving force is necessary to make them come alive. WiRED finds that in its founding Board of Directors. These leaders
are among many whom generously provide funds, volunteer time, and other needed resources. Growing to meet the need, WiRED programs will
expand beyond the Balkans into Africa and Mexico. We thank our supporters for taking the power of information to those in need in
war-torn and disadvantaged regions of the world.
- Richard Gilbert, D.D. andRobert Ohrenschall
Co-chairs, Board of Directors
WHAT WE KNOW AND BELIEVE
- The Net can contribute significantly to the evolution of a democracy.
- Internet Access Centers can offer one of the most effective and efficient solutions to many of the economic, social and political
problems now plaguing emerging democracies.
- Internet Access Centers fortify education, enhance professions and reconnect families.
- Internet Access Centers educate, inform, connect, and pave the way for a long-term, peaceful development.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
In 2000, WiRED provided Internet access, training and technical assistance to over 55,000 students, educators, physicians, health care
workers, journalists, engineers, and families in Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania through the following programs:
Community Internet Access Centers
WiRED provides hardware, training, advanced consultation and program evaluation for Internet Access Centers. These Centers, usually
based in local schools, have become valuable community resource. Professionals, especially physicians, health care workers, journalists
and engineers, advance their professional skills by accessing current information and communicating with their peers in Western
countries. Teachers incorporate the Internet into their daily lesson plans. Average people use the Centers to stay in touch with family
and friends who have left the country due to war and economic conditions.
Video Visit
Because of war damage to communications facilities and equipment, critically ill children from developing nations undergoing treatment
in Western hospitals have no reliable way to stay in touch with their families who must remain at home. This program enables families
to make "live" visits via Internet-linked video to their children abroad. WiRED establishes Internet Access Centers at the
hospitals, teaches hospital staff how to conduct a video conference, and provides ongoing consultation and monitoring.
Consultation
WiRED creates and manages specialized computer-based humanitarian programs tailored to specific community needs.
Achievements
- Launched innovative "Video Visit" program.
- Partnered with the U.S. Department of State in the operation of seven computer centers in Kosovo.
- Recorded more than a half-million on-line sessions among the seven Kosovo Internet Access Centers (through a partnership with the
U.S. Department of State).
- Served 2,700 middle and high school students in 13 Internet Access Centers in Osijek, Croatia.
- Established an Internet Access Center in Dragalic, Croatia. In addition to training for the children, this Center focuses on
agricultural training for local farmers whose fields were recently cleared of land mines.
Those Whos Lives Have Been Touched by WiRED
"We practiced computers on paper (keyboards), but now with a real keyboard, I can see how it really works. I never thought I would
ever use a real computer." Sasa, age 14, Croatia.
"Lacking medical journals for many years during the war, our doctors were
surprised by the huge amount of evidence found on the Web against smoking. They didn't realize that it affected health in so many ways.
Now, I think they're going to become pretty adamant about anti-smoking." Agron Pajaziti, Ferizaj Center, Kosovo
"The government has made it difficult for journalists to do their jobs; many
have been harassed and threatened by police. With the Internet, we can now find out what's really going on in other places and tell
other people what's really going on here." Journalist, Croatia
On January 8, 2001, in a test of the new system, three children, who had been
undergoing cancer treatment in Italy, saw and heard their families in Tirana, Albania, for the fist time in nearly a year. Their
physicians noted that these visits positively affected the children's physical health.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
- Established as private, non-profit corporation on May 19, 2000
- Annual budget of $115,000
- 75% of revenue was dedicated to program delivery
- Sources of revenue:
Foundations - 21%
Individuals - 33%
Organizations - 14%
Corporations - 31%
MAJOR DONORS AND PARTNERS
| Addison Branding and Communication |
Carol MacKay |
| Suellen Crano, Ph.D. |
Robert and Susan Ohrenschall |
| Firelight Foundation |
Christine Powell |
| Global Strategies for HIV Prevention |
Rotary Foundation |
| Tatjana Ggrich Family Foundation |
Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Sabine |
| Richard Gilbert, D.D. |
|
| Gary Selnow, Ph.D. |
Margaret Grant |
| Tiburon-Belvedere Rotary Club |
Saul Hamond |
| Bern Smith |
Stanley Heckman Educational Fund |
| South San Francisco Rotary CLub |
Institute for Applied Economics |
| U.S. Department of State |
Judy Jordan |
| Elizabeth Touma |
Richard Katz |
| Lucy Touma |
Hal Lacy |
| Webextra |
Carol Leninger |
| Tihomar Zivic |
Your gift will be felt around the world
- $50 provides a computer training course for five children
- $100 provides a video link between an ill child undergoing emergency treatment in a western country and his or her family in the
Balkans
- $250 provides one computer workstation at an Internet Access Center
- $500 provides a complete Internet training program for 12 journalists
- $1,000 provides a complete Internet training program and one month of personal follow-up for ten physicians
WiRED, a private, independent, non-profit corporation is supported through gifts
from foundations, corporations, individuals and organizations.
- Board of Directors
To receive additional information or make a donation, please contact:
Bess Touma, Development Director
Drawer 371123, Montara, CA 94037
(650) 712-0773 phone (650) 712-0396 fax
bess@WiredInternational.org
WiRED's Mission and Background
Download Annual Report 2000
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