The challenges of achieving universal, meaningful, and accessible connectivity remain significant—especially in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities where access to, use of, and knowledge about ICTs are limited. Across Latin America, however, many valuable local experiences have emerged that respond to these challenges using community-rooted principles, values, and communication needs. These approaches offer powerful models that can be adapted and replicated elsewhere. This introductory course focuses on the design of community connectivity strategies developed by and for Indigenous and rural communities. It offers a foundation for understanding how to build inclusive, sustainable, and culturally relevant connectivity solutions.
Please note: This course is not currently accepting registrations.
The next registration period will open in August 2025.
Course Objectives:
- Distinguish the core principles behind community-driven connectivity strategies, aligned with local culture, values, and communication needs.
- Identify key success factors in regional community connectivity projects through the study of best practices.
- Understand the conditions necessary to initiate effective community connectivity processes, including the importance of local ownership and organizational capacity.
- Apply participatory methods to critically reflect on ICTs as tools to strengthen community life.
- Use practical tools and methodologies to plan and implement context-specific community connectivity projects.
Methodology and Weekly Content
The course is based on methodologies shaped by the lived experiences and learning approaches of Indigenous communities in Latin America. It integrates real-life case studies, practical tools, and participatory learning, following a weekly structure:
- Week 1: Good Practices in Community Connectivity in Latin America
- Week 2: Starting Points for Community Connectivity
- Week 3: Community Communication as the Foundation of Connectivity Projects
- Week 4: Technologies That Strengthen Community Communication
- Week 5: Selecting Technologies for Meaningful Connectivity
Each module begins with a practical case, followed by theoretical insights drawn from experience, and ends with tools to help participants apply their learning.
Course Outcomes
The first edition was delivered in 2024, graduating 52 participants from 11 Latin American countries. The training focused on the social, technical, organizational, and economic dimensions of implementing connectivity strategies that respond to community needs while reinforcing identity and cohesion.
More information will be available here soon.