Surely organisations would prefer one-to-one support in developing their ICT capacity, provided by a ICT Development Worker or Circuit Rider?

Circuit Riders can provide valuable support to VCOs. They offer a visit-and-fix service, and may offer strategic advice too. However, Circuit Riders may not be available in every area, and a focus on providing one-to-one help will necessarily offer only limited coverage.

net:gain offers a venue where VCOs can work in groups, providing an opportunity for participants to share experience and exchange ideas. The net:gain model also offers potential for sustainability. In regions where both circuit riders and net:gain are operating, net:gain centres seek to work with local Circuit Riders to provide the most appropriate service combination for each VCO client. Once a net:gain delegate has begun the programme, they are able to prioritise and list the advice they need from their circuit rider visit, to make better use of the expertise on offer. As more organisations work together on the net:gain programme and realise the importance of flexible and affordable technical support, we hope they will come together to bid for or contribute to their own circuit rider programme - or a suitable alternative.