During the covid-19 pandemic the ISOC-TT chapter along with our partners through our various computer refurbishment initatives recognized, that the southern communities of Moruga, Bichie and Marac were economically limited with regards to access to the internet.
As a starting point the chapter worked to deliver and establish a secure point of presence for 25 refurbished computers along with the required internet backhaul to the community.
The starting objective was to ensure accessiblity to members of the community especially children from the Primary to Secondary School (age 8-17), as this group has open access to the facility up to 7pm.
The approach to get the community involved and have significant discussions with all shareholders (community leaders/elders, government services, business community) ensured proper understanding of the offering and community ownership of the project. This forms the heart of future work for the chapter to continue to work with the community to drive added access to those that most need it.
"This project has been such a change for the community, child empowerment is important. Here, many parents are working and, or, do not have the money and time to care for them properly, Most of the children do not have printers at home. In some areas, the internet reception is poor, and many do not have it. I even help adults to learn about computer literacy."
- Daeja Young Community Council Member