2023-08-29 20:44:00
Guatemala, August 29, 2023. The National Secretariat of Science and Technology (Senacyt) and the Government of the United States of America, through the United States Agency for Trade and Development (USTDA), signed a grant agreement on Tuesday with the objective of strengthen digital connectivity in Guatemala in the department of Quiché.
Through this agreement, USTDA will contribute 1.3 million dollars to partially finance the installation of 10 Digital Community Centers (CCD) in areas where electricity service is limited, specifically in the department of Quiché. In addition, a feasibility evaluation will be carried out to expand the project and reach a total of 3,000 centers in rural communities throughout the country.
The implementation of the CCDs will be in charge of New Sun Road (NSR), based in California, United States.
One of the characteristics of these Centers is that they are powered by solar energy and managed remotely through software; They will be equipped with computers connected to the Internet and a multifunctional printer, thus allowing comprehensive access to technology and information for the benefited populations.
The Senacyt will assume the role of supervisory and evaluating entity, in charge of monitoring the installation of the 10 CCDs in the designated sites. In addition, it will be in charge of validating the business model in search of its expansion and developing an implementation plan that allows its creation throughout the national territory.
Ana Chan, National Secretary of Science and Technology, highlighted “we are proud of this alliance together with the New Sun Road organization that will contribute to reducing the digital divide in the departments of Guatemala, and, above all, will allow women and children access to connectivity that will provide them with new technological tools in favor of their development”.
This agreement is aligned with a technical assistance contract previously signed between NSR and Senacyt, which also contemplates that, in exchange for the execution of the activities necessary to implement the centers, Senacyt will approve the allocation of funds, thus certifying the successful execution. of the tasks contemplated in the terms of reference. As a result, the grant funds will be disbursed directly to NSR by USTDA.
New Sun Road has implemented 20 similar centers in Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango, which have provided access to electricity, connectivity, and training in digital skills, finances, and leadership for indigenous women. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with Microsoft and USAID, has had a significant impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and their communities.
This project plays an essential role in bridging the digital gender gap and presents a sustainable approach, since the CCDs are managed as community enterprises led by local women who come together in a leadership committee. This not only challenges stereotypes, but also empowers women in communities where opportunities have traditionally been limited from a cultural perspective.
The New Sun Road Digital Community Centers project received this year the National Innovation Award promoted by Senacyt in the innovation for development category.
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