service. Now the network is established, it is being used to facilitate the rural networking needs of sectors such as education, health, women, sustainable livelihood programs, finance and agriculture. The operator-assisted facilities are able to directly access web sites using web for mail services, but this aspect is limited by the narrowband. The stations operate sustainably by charging small affordable fees for services. PFnet also opened the country's first Internet Café in Honiara in 2001, a facility that also serves as the base station and gateway for the email network and as a training facility for a number of rural development stakeholders and the broader public. PFnet also provides substantial information resources and news on its web site and is active in facilitating the flow of trusted news between communities. This is an important part of peace building in a nation torn by ethnic conflict. PFnet has also worked with stakeholders to help the government develop a national ICT strategy. In order to better understand these needs and be more effective, in 2004 PFnet conducted a research program into the social impacts and factors affecting the appropriation of the rural ICT by the communities, in partnership with University of the South Pacific and UNDP (funded by JICA). The People First Network is a project of Rural Development Volunteers Association (RDVA), an NGO partner of the Ministry of Rural Development. It has received funding and technical support from the UNDP, New Zealand Aid, the governments of Britain, Japan and the Republic of China, the EU and AusAid. Distance Learning Centre Project The DLCP provides distance education as part of the Education Sector Investment and Reform Programme, implemented by the Rural Development Volunteers Association, the project began Distance Learning Centres in 2006 to provide full internet access to rural areas, using VSAT broadband via a satellite link to Australia. The distance learning centres use the Toshiba Tecra A5 laptops. The project provides distant learning courses for the University of the South Pacific. The first DLC was at Pamua on Makira. There are now one in each province, each hosted by a rural community high school. References External links PFnet pages hosted by David Leeming whilst PFnet website is inactive www.peoplefirst.net.sb - currently not active About PFnet with links to brochure, locations, documents Research and literature associated with PFnet Videos of PFnet - UN in ACtion, filmed by UN TV in 2003 for