“This training was not just about learning new skills; it was about understanding our communities’ identities and how technology can be a tool to enhance and preserve them,“ reflected Jean Pierre Orozco Ruiz, an audiovisual creator and participant in the 2024 ICT Network Management Bootcamp held in Guatemala.  

The Bootcamp brought together leaders from Latin American indigenous and rural communities with a clear goal: to equip them with the necessary skills to build, sustain, and manage ICT networks; ensuring they are maintained, remain viable over the long term, and that the day-to-day operations and technical oversight needed to keep the networks running smoothly and effectively are in place.  

Organized by the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communication (APC), Rhizomatica, and Redes Por la Diversidad, Equidad y Sustentabilidad A.C (REDES A.C.), this event went beyond technical training; it was a movement to ensure that everyone, especially underserved communities, can access and effectively use digital technologies.  It explored how technology can connect people, preserve cultural identities, and serve as a tool for empowerment across education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

The Bootcamp had a significant impact on the participants.  

A key outcome of the Bootcamp was the unity fostered. Despite challenges like isolation and limited resources, they found common grounds, sharing their aspirations for digital innovation and the strategies to achieve them, forming a collaborative network that would endure long after the bootcamp, providing ongoing support and fostering continued collaboration among communities.  

The skills gained are now empowering them to drive digital innovation and inclusion across their communities to drive digital innovation and inclusion across their communities. 

For example, Adrián López from REDES A.C. learned to integrate cultural and social contexts with technology in projects like creating community radio stations broadcasting in indigenous languages. This approach ensures that the technology is not only functional but also resonates with the community’s identity and values. As a result, community networks have been strengthened, improving communication during emergencies and offering educational content tailored to local needs. This effort has improved access to communication technologies and promoted digital inclusion for thousands of people across Latin America, empowering communities to preserve their cultural heritage while advancing technologically. 

This is an ITU Development #DigitalImpactUnlocked story

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