Technology Training for Women Radio Communicators

Summary

Training women radio communicators to maintain the computers of their Internet telecenters, providing digital access for communities in marginalized regions of Brazil.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

In Brazil, the most remote areas do not have access to the Internet. In most cases, radio, which is run primarily by women, is used as a communication hub for the communities. Project Cyberela works to integrate the Internet with radio. It established a satellite connection and supports a network of women who run telecenters that provide free Internet access. These women need to learn to maintain the computers to ensure the communities' continual access to the Internet.

How will this project solve this problem?

The project will train 13 women leaders, "cyberelas", in computer maintenance during a 10-day workshop. They will use their skills to fix and maintain their telecenters to provide free Internet access to their communities.

Potential Long Term Impact

Training the women will improve their leadership capabilities and give them the technical abilities to maintain their telecenters.

Project Message

Since I became a cyberela my life has changed! Not only because I lost the fear of technology but also because I can communicate with hundreds of other women beyond the radio. Now we have the Internet
- Ligia Apel, cyberela in Santarém- Pará, in the north of Brazil

Additional Documentation

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

Resources