P2C Flash Edition 08
Welcome to P2C Flash!
Welcome to the eighth edition of P2C Flash, designed to amplify the voices of pledgers and spotlight their impactful commitments to advancing global connectivity and digital transformation. With over 1000 pledges from over 480 entities across 149 countries, the Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition continues to drive meaningful change in the digital landscape. P2C Flash is a monthly publication dedicated to showcasing these contributions, from inspiring impact stories and government initiatives to local innovations and new pledges, all with the goal of fostering a global community united by the mission of universal meaningful connectivity. Join us as we bring these efforts to the forefront and highlight the diverse initiatives shaping the future of sustainable digital transformation worldwide.
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Welcoming New Pledges
The Welcoming New Pledges section introduces the latest commitments made by partners to advance sustainable digital transformation through the P2C Digital Coalition. This section highlights fresh pledges from a diverse range of stakeholders who are dedicated to bridging the digital divide and promoting universal, meaningful connectivity. Each new pledge brings us a step closer to a more inclusive and digitally connected world.
Viasat: Building resilient and equitable communities through technology globally
Viasat has committed approximately USD 2.7 million over two years and is working with local organisations to narrow the digital divide and strengthen resilience where connectivity is scarce or fragile. The pledge converges reliable satellite internet with devices, power, and digital skills so that underrepresented and underserved people can learn, work, and access essential services every day, as well as help people stay connected during times of crises.
In Mexico, Viasat installed satellite internet and nine access points across six remote digital resource centres and donated 65 computers for training and solar kits. Funded by USD 50,000, skills-based volunteers delivered 4,000 hours’ worth of digital literacy, small-business marketing, and hardware operations education, creating a model locals can replicate and sustain. In Brazil, Viasat equipped remote locations with internet access and provided digital literacy courses for more than 500 people.
Responding to increasingly occurring natural disasters and displaced communities globally, Viasat provides advanced connectivity solutions and hardware applications, partnering with Télécoms Sans Frontières. This is supporting 83 countries, over 850 non-governmental organisations, and 194 missions.
Finally, Viasat’s commitment to digital inclusion empowers the next generation of technology leaders to shape the direction of global connectivity through a space sustainability and space technology competition. This three-country initiative, spanning the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, challenges students to develop real-world solutions to space sustainability problems and sustainability challenges to effectively connect digital access with advanced STEM education.
For collaboration and more information, contact donna.bethea-murphy@viasat.com.
Digital Woman Uganda: Building Digital Skills, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Gender-Based Violence Prevention for Women, Girls, and Youth
Digital Woman Uganda is delivering a clear, measurable path to opportunity and safety for the country’s most at-risk youth. The pledge equips young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, with the digital skills that employers value and the knowledge needed to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and understand sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Training expands to confident device use and productivity tools, coding, digital marketing, online work readiness, and life-skills sessions to strengthen gender equality and online safety. Delivery is provided by local partnerships and a skilled team of ICT instructors, counsellors, and community facilitators. Learning is organised in digital labs and via mobile platforms, and is reinforced with mentorship, starter kits, and practical tools that lower the cost of entry.
Over the programme cycle, 1,000 young people will be trained and supported to move into jobs or start micro-enterprises, with a target of 80% transitioning to employment or digital ventures. The programme aims to raise women’s household incomes, ensure safer online participation, and strengthen confidence to seek services and speak out, creating a growing pool of role models who inspire peers and advance a fair, inclusive digital future.
For collaboration and more information, contact sula2x@gmail.com.
Leah IA Test: AI-Powered English Assessments for Students Across Latin America
The Colombian SME, Leah IA Test, has pledged USD 350,000 to bring AI-driven English assessments to 60,000 students across Latin America by the end of 2026. The program delivers a cutting-edge digital test that provides a precise evaluation of all English skills, including writing and speaking, in under 20 minutes on any connected device, with results available in real time.
Through the Leah Analytics dashboard, institutions will detect fraud and access downloadable reports to guide teaching programs. This data-driven approach ensures that students receive personalised learning support tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, Leah IA Test collaborates with GEP English Exams to strengthen academic reliability, integrating solid academic content with cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Learn more here.
Currently, Leah IA Test is looking to connect with organisations or institutions interested in assessing English proficiency across different populations. Ideal partners will have a clear need to evaluate language skills and the capacity to co-fund implementation. As part of its social impact pledge, Leah IA Test would offer a special benefit to make participation more accessible. Additionally, Leah IA Test also provides English learning services to extend the impact beyond assessment and contribute to long-term skill development. If your organisation is interested in collaborating, please contact camilo@leahapp.com.
Impact Stories: Digital Literacy
The Impact Stories section shines a spotlight on the real-world transformations made possible through the P2C commitments, showing how partnerships turn connectivity into tangible gains for underserved communities, including better access to education, essential services, and economic opportunity. This section on Digital Literacy highlights pledges that equip people to use technology safely and confidently, from first-time access to job-ready skills, so connectivity leads to lasting inclusion.
BTK Academy: Promoting Digital Inclusion and Skills Development in Türkiye
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Türkiye pledges to advance access to ICTs for everyone through BTK Academy.
The platform offers free, user-friendly online and in-class ICT courses for women, youth, children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Launched in 2017 with the vision of “building Türkiye’s digital future,” BTK Academy today holds the distinction of being Türkiye’s largest domestically developed online education platform, offering more than 192,000 minutes of course content across 381 topics in 12 categories and serving nearly 3 million users. By the end of 2026, it aims for 450 topics, 4 million users.
BTK Academy accelerates graduation by securing university-credit recognition for its online courses through a protocol with the Council of Higher Education (YÖK); connects young people with employers via employment-oriented workshops and in-class courses; and builds practical skills through intensive Cybersecurity Camps. It runs strategic programs through public–private–university partnerships. Its 2024–2025 vision centres on AI: 125 courses planned across three categories, 32 live and accessible.
This pledge supports closing digital divides, advances the SDGs, expands inclusion and the benefits of the digital economy, and fosters a safer, rights-respecting digital space. By equipping millions with practical competencies in AI, software use, safe connectivity, and digital productivity, BTK Academy supports the goal that by 2050, half of connected individuals hold intermediate digital skills, and its women-focused pathways, accessible formats, and active outreach aim for gender parity in digital access by 2030. This model can inspire similar initiatives across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and the Arab States.
For collaboration and more information, contact destek@btkakademi.gov.tr.
INICTEL – UNI (Peru)
The Peru National University of Engineering’s Telecommunications Research and Training Institute (Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Capacitación de Telecomunicaciones de la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, NICTEL-UNI) pledges to run free digital-skills courses for 5,000 persons with disabilities in 2024, helping participants gain the competencies and confidence needed for better-paid, technology-enabled jobs and encouraging more families and local businesses to adopt digital tools. Building on its active national programme, the pledge includes remote or in-person, 50-hour cohorts covering basic computing, office tools, social media, graphic design, programming and soft skills. By combining accessible training pathways with nationally recognised delivery, the initiative aims to increase employability, reduce barriers to participation, and grow Peru’s inclusive digital workforce.
In 2023, INICTEL-UNI’s free inclusion courses reached 4,073 beneficiaries across 19 regions, including people with disabilities and rural residents, which is an impressive scale of readiness. Despite challenges, INICTEL-UNI has achieved about 75% progress on the programme, finalised the course portfolio and delivery strategy, delivered cohorts for persons with disabilities, and mobilised approximately USD 84,000.
Partners from government, civil society and employers are invited to co-host cohorts, match graduates to job opportunities and help scale a practical model of digital inclusion through skills.
For collaboration and more information, contact ipretel@inictel-uni.edu.pe.
Millicom (Tigo): Maestr@s Conectad@s, Free Digital-Skills Training for Teachers Across Latin America
Millicom (Tigo) launched Maestr@s Conectad@s in 2020 to help keep education going when schools moved online. In June 2022, Millicom introduced a dedicated online platform, implemented across nine countries: Panama, El Salvador, Paraguay, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
The platform delivers 25 free, certificate-bearing courses that teachers can complete at their own pace. The content focuses on practical, classroom-ready skills such as: using Zoom for neuro-compatible classes, leveraging WhatsApp for learning, designing with Canva and PowerPoint, mastering Excel pivot tables, organising with Google Drive, applying digital whiteboards, storytelling, gamification, social media for learning, neuroeducation, YouTube, CapCut, and AI-assisted presentations. Since its launch, the program has trained more than 540,000 teachers in digital tools. Educators can create an account and start immediately at https://educacioncontigo.com/maestros-conectados/.
Millicom also has great news to share from Paraguay, where, together with the Ministry of Education and other companies, it launched the “Jóvenes Conectados” program, focused on developing digital skills for high school students in their final years and offering certifications that connect them with new opportunities for personal and professional growth (https://jovenesconectados.com.py).
As Millicom celebrates its 35th anniversary, our focus on education and digital inclusion reflects our ongoing commitment to Latin America.
Impact Stories: Digital Users
This Impact Stories section on Digital Users celebrates P2C pledges that grow the community of people who are now connected and actively participating in the digital world. From rural entrepreneurs leveraging online tools to grow their businesses, to students discovering new learning opportunities through connectivity, these stories showcase how access translates into real positive impact on people’s lives.
Kistpay: Accelerating the Next Billion Users Initiative to Bridge Device, Data, and Finance Gaps for Underserved Communities
With a commitment of over USD 800,000, Kistpay pledges to the global Next Billion Users Initiative to close the digital divide. It empowers up to 1 million low-income individuals, focusing on women, youth, students, farmers, gig and informal workers, and micro-entrepreneurs, by helping them get access to smartphones, affordable data, and financial tools.
Kistpay’s financing platform removes upfront cost and paperwork barriers by using alternative credit scoring, AI-driven assessments, and a device locking solution to ensure responsible lending. The new Data on Credit service ensures users stay connected even when they run out of balance, enabling uninterrupted transactions, mobile payments, and online services. Kistpay’s award-winning Women Empowerment Program (WEP) enhances inclusion and independence for women, adding women-only outlets, a dedicated helpline, and financial literacy and digital skills workshops. Additionally, Kistpay’s unified delivery platform integrates telecom operators, banks, device makers, retailers, and NGOs into one ecosystem for device approvals, credit disbursement, and repayments.
Globally, Kistpay collaborates with multiple international organisations to advance inclusive digital ecosystems. Expanding its footprint to Bangladesh, Mexico, Thailand, and Africa, Kistpay continues to drive sustainable and inclusive connectivity, empowering the next billion users to participate and prosper in the global digital economy.
For collaboration and more information, contact Fatima Alvi, Head of Communications & Digital Development – fatima.alvi@kistpay.com.
School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI): The Australian Government Closing the Digital Divide for Families with School-Aged Children
The Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts launched the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) in February 2023. This initiative aims to close Australia’s digital divide by providing free home internet to families with school-aged children who need it most. Backed by an AUD 13.7 million government investment with Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN Co), the initiative has connected around 30,000 households and will keep them online until 30 June 2028.
Families receive a free National Broadband Network home connection from a participating provider that is fast enough for homework, high definition streaming, and video calls on several devices, plus a free Wi-Fi modem/router. Such reliable home broadband helps students join digital classes, submit homework, and stay in touch with teachers, while families can use essential online health and government services.
The SSBI is delivered through broad partnerships with charities, community organisations, education departments and retail service providers to connect and support families.
The current connection allocation is fully subscribed, the initiative is closed to new sign-ups, and an evaluation is underway to measure outcomes for students and parents. SSBI demonstrates how targeted support and public-private partnership can narrow the digital divide at scale. For collaboration and more information, contact Nicola.Bennett@INFRASTRUCTURE.gov.au.
P2C Matchmaking Highlights
The P2C Matchmaking Highlights section spotlights successful matches of P2C pledges. It highlights real cases where pledgers find the right partners, join forces and co-create impact, turning commitments into concrete results.
Matchmaking between IDAP Global and GoCodeGreen
IDAP Global Kenya and GoCodeGreen, two pledgers of the ITU Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deliver IT and AI sustainability education to the first cohorts at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Multimedia University, and Strathmore University’s iLabAfrica.
Both organisations pledge to advance sustainable, inclusive digitalisation. IDAP Global Kenya will support 250,000 girls, train 2.7 million learners in digital and online safety, equip 30,000 students and teachers through the Siaya Digital Transformation Hub, and pursue a 20% greenhouse gas reduction with USD 80 million mobilised. GoCodeGreen will provide the first 100 fully sponsored eight-course Digital Decarbonisation pathways and a turnkey measurement-and-action package for a public agency, and offer corporate sponsorship packages for extending their learning to additional cohorts of learners. Together, they align digital growth with climate risk management across sub-Saharan countries.
The partnership accelerates progress and raises the quality of both pledges. Joint university cohorts will translate training into field results: establishing baselines and reduction plans for priority digital platforms and school labs, improving safe digital access at scale, and publishing verifiable outcomes.
Governments, foundations, and companies are invited to sponsor forthcoming cohorts of over 25 students and help build a generation of climate-conscious technologists ready to power a fairer, greener digital future. To collaborate, please contact the partnering organisations: john.malamba3@gmail.com, eric.zie@gocode.green.
We celebrate the incredible strides made through collective action and shared commitments to bridging the digital divide. The stories, partnerships, and innovations highlighted here are just the beginning of what we can achieve together. Stay tuned for our next issue, where we will delve even deeper into the transformative power of connectivity, featuring more inspiring initiatives, voices from the field, and bold new commitments driving progress across the globe. The journey to a digitally inclusive world continues – and we’re just getting started!
Click here to learn more about how to get featured in our upcoming editions.
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