By Mercy Wambui
Development Gateway

They arrive from all walks of life with one purpose — to dedicate their creative energies to the ICT-based project ideas they have a passion for. Not surprisingly, the fellows leave with more than they bargained for — interaction with cutting-edge Silicon Valley technologists and entrepreneurs; the experience of soaking up the prestigious Stanford University environment; and collegial relationships that will no doubt last a long time.

The Digital Vision Program was launched in October 2001 with five fellows in the inaugural class. The current 13 fellows who are nearing the end of the sabbatical have been hard at work, applying vision and talent to innovative applications of technology relevant to countries such as Brazil, Sierra Leone, Mexico, Peru, and India. The program has gained a lot of attention from both the IT industry and foundations. Applicants for 2003-2004 include individuals from 41 nations and a wide range of companies and organizations, including Cisco, Sun, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola, Bechtel, Mitsubishi Electric, the United Nations, and the World Bank.

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