Bringing IT to one of the poorest states of Brazil

Summary

CDI administers 26 computer and IT schools in the impoverished Amazonian state of Maranhão. These centers create opportunities for better jobs and lives for participants from these communities.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

For the past 8 years, CDI-Maranhão has worked to bring digital inclusion to the residents of this state, which has 83 of the 100 poorest municipalities in all of Brazil, and where only 30% of its residents have access to running water and sewer systems. In addition to computer and IT training, CDI helps participants obtain the communication and research skills engage in their local community - in particularly, protecting the fragile Amazon rain forest which covers most of the area.

How will this project solve this problem?

CDI-Maranhão runs 26 computer and technology centers in 25 poor and neglected communities across the state. The students in these centers vary from children to teens to adults, and they learn vital IT skills that help them to change their realities.

Potential Long Term Impact

CDI Maranhão long term impact will be on the lives of an entire community marginalized by the lack of education. Technology is a way to accelerate social and educational development and a key to income generation and professional growth

Project Message

I’m proud to say that I’m a former CDI student and now a teacher. CDI gave me opportunities to learn new subjects and fulfil my dreams, changing my family’s life
- Raimunda Nonata Silva Martins, Former CDI student and Teacher at CDI Maranhão

Additional Documentation

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

Resources