Displaced Residents in Chile Learn IT Skills

Summary

CDI-Chile is helping with disaster relief for evacuated Chaiten volcano victims through IT training and engagement via virtual and real community building which will lead to recovery and reconnection

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

CDI-Chile is aiding in the recovery of Chaitan community, some of whom are now living in Quellón, Chile. More than 5,000 individuals were relocated when their town was destroyed by a volcano and now they are suffering from the loss of their community and livelihoods. CDI will offer civic and IT education at a special CDI education center in Quellón, where these displaced residents can recover their sense of community and mobilize themselves through newly acquired technology and computer skills

How will this project solve this problem?

A specialized educational program at a CDI center in Quellón will help participants reconnect virtually with their community to share stories and support, as well as organize together and facilitate effective communication using the internet.

Potential Long Term Impact

The future of the city of Chaiten is still under debate, but regardless of what the future holds, these former residents will transition from disaster victims to empowered citizens as a result of learning valuable technology and communication skills.

Project Message

"After I learned to use the computer, it was much easier to work for my community" Margarita Irene Carrasco Cariqueo Former CDI student and today a leader of the Junta de Vecinos de Santa Terezita
- Margarita Irene Carrasco Cariqueo, community leader

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources