Unconnected Foundation – Malawi: Community WiFi Network Initiative
Problem Statement
In Malawi, low internet penetration and high access costs significantly hinder educational
development and limit students' access to essential online resources and information. Many schools
in the region struggle with inadequate internet infrastructure, exacerbating the digital divide and
preventing students from benefiting from modern educational tools and content available online.
This lack of connectivity not only affects students' learning opportunities but also impedes teachers'
ability to access up-to-date educational materials and professional development resources.
Project Overview
The Unconnected Foundation has received USD $300,000 to establish a Community WiFi Network
across 50 schools in Malawi. This initiative aims to address the critical issue of low internet
penetration and the high costs associated with accessing the internet in the region. By providing
reliable and affordable internet access to schools, the project seeks to enhance educational
opportunities, improve learning outcomes, and bridge the digital divide for students and teachers in
Malawi.
Objectives
1. Establish Community WiFi Networks:
o Deploy WiFi infrastructure in 50 schools across Malawi, ensuring stable and high-
speed internet access for students and staff.
o Utilize cost-effective and scalable technologies to maximize coverage and reliability.
2. Enhance Educational Resources:
o Provide access to a wide range of online educational resources, including e-books,
academic journals, and interactive learning platforms.
o Enable teachers to access professional development materials and stay updated with
the latest educational practices and content.
3. Improve Learning Outcomes:
o Facilitate the integration of digital tools and resources into the curriculum,
enhancing students' learning experiences and engagement.
o Support students' ability to conduct research, complete assignments, and participate
in online learning activities.
4. Bridge the Digital Divide:
o Ensure equitable access to the internet for students from diverse socio-economic
backgrounds.
o Empower communities by providing public access points and encouraging
community use of the network outside school hours.
5. Sustainability and Maintenance:
o Develop a maintenance plan to ensure the longevity and reliability of the WiFi
network.
o Train local personnel in network management and troubleshooting to promote self-
sufficiency.
Implementation Plan
1. Assessment and Planning:
o Conduct site assessments for each school to determine the specific infrastructure
needs and optimal locations for WiFi deployment.
o Collaborate with local stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and
community leaders, to ensure the project meets their needs and expectations.
2. Infrastructure Deployment:
o Procure and install necessary hardware, including routers, access points, and other
networking equipment.
o Set up centralized management systems to monitor network performance and
usage.
3. Training and Capacity Building:
o Provide training sessions for teachers and school staff on how to effectively integrate
internet resources into their teaching.
o Train local technicians on network maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure
ongoing support.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
o Establish metrics for evaluating the impact of the WiFi network on educational
outcomes, including student performance and engagement.
o Conduct regular assessments to identify areas for improvement and ensure the
network is meeting its objectives.
5. Community Engagement:
o Promote the use of the WiFi network within the broader community to maximize its
impact and foster a culture of digital literacy.
o Organize community workshops and events to raise awareness about the benefits of
internet access and digital education.
Expected Outcomes
• Improved access to quality educational resources and materials for students and teachers.
• Enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes through the integration of digital
tools.
• Greater equity in education by providing internet access to underserved schools and
communities.
• Strengthened local capacity for network management and maintenance, ensuring the
sustainability of the project.
• Increased community involvement and digital literacy, contributing to overall socio-economic
development.
By addressing the critical need for affordable and reliable internet access in schools, the
Unconnected Foundation’s Community WiFi Network initiative aims to transform education in
Malawi, empowering students and teachers with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the
digital age.
4o
Internet Society Argentina Chapter: Received USD $297,266 to deploy a community and scientific
network in Las Lagunitas, Argentina, including technical training, network installation, and
sustainable energy solutions.
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Internet Society Argentina Chapter: Community and Scientific Network Initiative in Las Lagunitas
Problem Statement
In Las Lagunitas, Argentina, the lack of reliable internet connectivity severely limits educational,
scientific, and community development. This digital divide hinders residents' access to information,
educational resources, and economic opportunities. Additionally, the absence of sustainable energy
solutions exacerbates the challenge of maintaining reliable network infrastructure in remote areas.
Addressing these issues is crucial for promoting inclusive growth and empowering the community
with the tools needed to thrive in the digital age.
Project Overview
The Internet Society Argentina Chapter has received USD $297,266 to deploy a community and
scientific network in Las Lagunitas, Argentina. This initiative aims to provide reliable internet access
through a comprehensive approach that includes technical training, network installation, and the
integration of sustainable energy solutions. The project seeks to bridge the digital divide, enhance
educational and scientific opportunities, and promote sustainable development in the region.
Objectives
1. Network Deployment:
o Establish a robust and reliable community and scientific network infrastructure in Las
Lagunitas.
o Ensure widespread coverage to provide internet access to schools, research facilities,
and community centers.
2. Technical Training:
o Provide technical training to local community members, focusing on network
installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
o Empower local residents with the skills needed to manage and sustain the network
independently.
3. Sustainable Energy Solutions:
o Integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power the network
infrastructure.
o Promote energy sustainability and reduce reliance on non-renewable energy
sources.
4. Educational and Scientific Enhancement:
o Facilitate access to online educational resources, research databases, and scientific
collaboration tools.
o Support local schools and researchers in leveraging the internet for educational and
scientific advancement.
5. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
o Engage with local stakeholders to ensure the network meets community needs and
fosters a sense of ownership.
o Promote digital literacy and encourage the use of the internet for community
development and economic opportunities.
Implementation Plan
1. Assessment and Planning:
o Conduct a thorough site assessment to identify the optimal locations for network
installation and energy solutions.
o Collaborate with local stakeholders, including community leaders, educators, and
researchers, to align the project with their needs and expectations.
2. Network Installation:
o Procure and install the necessary hardware, including routers, access points, and
networking equipment.
o Implement a centralized management system to monitor and manage network
performance.
3. Technical Training:
o Organize training sessions for local community members on network installation,
maintenance, and troubleshooting.
o Develop training materials and resources to support ongoing education and capacity
building.
4. Sustainable Energy Integration:
o Install solar panels and other renewable energy solutions to power the network
infrastructure.
o Implement energy storage systems to ensure continuous network operation during
periods of low solar energy availability.
5. Educational and Scientific Support:
o Provide access to online educational platforms, e-books, academic journals, and
research databases.
o Offer workshops and training for educators and researchers on utilizing digital tools
and resources effectively.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation:
o Establish metrics to evaluate the impact of the network on educational and scientific
outcomes, as well as community development.
o Conduct regular assessments to identify areas for improvement and ensure the
network meets its objectives.
Expected Outcomes
• Reliable and widespread internet access in Las Lagunitas, enhancing educational and
scientific opportunities.
• Empowered local community members with technical skills for network management and
maintenance.
• Sustainable energy solutions integrated into the network infrastructure, promoting
environmental sustainability.
• Improved access to educational and research resources, contributing to better learning and
scientific outcomes.
• Increased community engagement and digital literacy, fostering socio-economic
development.
By addressing the critical need for reliable internet connectivity and sustainable energy solutions, the
Internet Society Argentina Chapter’s Community and Scientific Network initiative aims to transform
Las Lagunitas, providing the foundation for inclusive growth, educational advancement, and scientific
collaboration.
4o
Mycelia Foundation – United States: Awarded USD $288,402 for the Digital Equity Network
Expansion Project in New Mexico, aiming to provide residential broadband access to 150 additional
households.
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Mycelia Foundation – Digital Equity Network Expansion Project in New Mexico
Problem Statement
In many rural and underserved areas of New Mexico, lack of access to reliable broadband internet
severely limits residents' educational, economic, and social opportunities. This digital divide prevents
individuals from accessing essential online resources, participating in remote learning, telehealth
services, and remote work opportunities, and engaging with broader social and civic networks. The
high costs and logistical challenges of expanding broadband infrastructure in these areas further
exacerbate the issue, leaving many households without adequate internet access. Addressing this
disparity is crucial for fostering digital equity and ensuring all residents have the opportunity to
thrive in the digital age.
Project Overview
The Mycelia Foundation has been awarded USD $288,402 for the Digital Equity Network Expansion
Project in New Mexico. This initiative aims to provide reliable residential broadband access to 150
additional households in rural and underserved communities. By expanding the broadband network,
the project seeks to bridge the digital divide, enhance educational and economic opportunities, and
promote social inclusion for residents of these areas.
Objectives
1. Broadband Network Expansion:
o Extend broadband infrastructure to cover 150 additional households in underserved
communities in New Mexico.
o Ensure the network provides reliable, high-speed internet access to all connected
households.
2. Community Engagement and Outreach:
o Conduct outreach efforts to inform and engage community members about the
benefits and availability of the expanded broadband network.
o Collaborate with local stakeholders, including community leaders, educators, and
healthcare providers, to align the project with community needs.
3. Digital Literacy and Support:
o Provide digital literacy training and resources to help residents effectively use the
internet for education, employment, healthcare, and civic engagement.
o Establish support channels for residents to seek assistance with technical issues and
maximize the benefits of their internet access.
4. Sustainable and Inclusive Development:
o Implement strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the broadband
network, including maintenance and upgrades.
o Promote digital equity by ensuring the network serves diverse populations, including
low-income households and marginalized communities.
Implementation Plan
1. Assessment and Planning:
o Conduct a detailed assessment to identify the specific areas and households in need
of broadband expansion.
o Develop a comprehensive plan for infrastructure deployment, including timelines,
budgets, and resource allocation.
2. Infrastructure Deployment:
o Procure and install the necessary broadband infrastructure, such as fiber optic
cables, routers, and access points.
o Coordinate with local utilities and service providers to facilitate network installation
and integration.
3. Community Engagement:
o Organize informational sessions and community meetings to raise awareness about
the project and its benefits.
o Establish partnerships with local organizations to support outreach and engagement
efforts.
4. Digital Literacy Training:
o Develop and deliver digital literacy workshops and training programs tailored to the
needs of different community groups.
o Provide online and printed resources to assist residents in developing their digital
skills.
5. Support and Maintenance:
o Set up a dedicated support team to assist residents with technical issues and
questions.
o Develop a maintenance plan to ensure the network remains reliable and up-to-date,
including regular checks and necessary upgrades.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation:
o Establish metrics to evaluate the impact of the broadband expansion on residents'
access to education, healthcare, employment, and social services.
o Conduct regular assessments to identify areas for improvement and ensure the
project meets its objectives.
Expected Outcomes
• Reliable broadband access provided to 150 additional households in underserved
communities in New Mexico.
• Enhanced educational and economic opportunities for residents through improved access to
online resources and services.
• Increased digital literacy and technical skills among community members, empowering them
to fully participate in the digital economy and society.
• Greater social inclusion and community engagement facilitated by improved connectivity
and access to information.
• Sustainable and equitable development of broadband infrastructure, ensuring long-term
benefits for diverse populations.
By addressing the critical need for broadband access in rural and underserved areas, the Mycelia
Foundation's Digital Equity Network Expansion Project aims to promote digital equity, enhance
quality of life, and empower residents of New Mexico to seize the opportunities of the digital age.
4o
Instituto Nupef – Brazil: Received USD $200,000 to support the testing of new wireless technologies
to enhance Internet connectivity for sparse, low-density communities, especially in the Northern
region of Brazil.
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Instituto Nupef – Testing New Wireless Technologies in Northern Brazil
Problem Statement
In the Northern region of Brazil, sparse and low-density communities face significant challenges in
accessing reliable internet connectivity. These remote areas often lack the necessary infrastructure
for traditional wired internet solutions, leading to a persistent digital divide that hinders educational,
economic, and social opportunities. The geographical isolation and low population density of these
communities make it difficult and cost-prohibitive to deploy conventional broadband infrastructure.
There is a critical need for innovative and sustainable wireless technologies to bridge this gap and
provide equitable access to the internet for all residents.
Project Overview
Instituto Nupef has received USD $200,000 to support the testing of new wireless technologies
aimed at enhancing internet connectivity for sparse, low-density communities, particularly in the
Northern region of Brazil. This initiative seeks to explore and implement cutting-edge wireless
solutions that can effectively address the unique challenges of providing reliable internet access in
these remote areas. By improving connectivity, the project aims to foster digital inclusion, enhance
educational and economic opportunities, and support the social development of these communities.
Objectives
1. Testing and Evaluation of Wireless Technologies:
o Identify and test new wireless technologies that can provide reliable and cost-
effective internet connectivity in sparse, low-density communities.
o Evaluate the performance, scalability, and sustainability of these technologies in real-
world conditions.
2. Infrastructure Development:
o Deploy pilot projects in selected communities to demonstrate the feasibility and
effectiveness of the tested wireless solutions.
o Develop and install the necessary infrastructure, including antennas, routers, and
other networking equipment.
3. Community Engagement and Training:
o Engage with local communities to raise awareness about the project and its potential
benefits.
o Provide training and support to community members on how to use and maintain
the new wireless technologies.
4. Collaboration with Stakeholders:
o Collaborate with local governments, educational institutions, and other stakeholders
to ensure the project aligns with community needs and priorities.
o Establish partnerships with technology providers and researchers to leverage
expertise and resources.
5. Sustainability and Scalability:
o Develop a plan for the long-term sustainability of the wireless network, including
maintenance and upgrades.
o Explore opportunities for scaling the project to other low-density communities in the
Northern region and beyond.
Implementation Plan
1. Research and Planning:
o Conduct a comprehensive review of available wireless technologies and select the
most promising solutions for testing.
o Develop a detailed project plan, including timelines, budgets, and resource
allocation.
2. Pilot Project Deployment:
o Identify pilot sites in the Northern region of Brazil and conduct site assessments to
determine specific infrastructure needs.
o Procure and install the necessary equipment for the pilot projects, ensuring
compliance with local regulations and standards.
3. Testing and Evaluation:
o Monitor and evaluate the performance of the deployed wireless technologies,
collecting data on connectivity, speed, reliability, and user satisfaction.
o Adjust and optimize the network configuration based on feedback and performance
metrics.
4. Community Engagement:
o Organize informational sessions and workshops to inform community members
about the project and its benefits.
o Provide training on how to use the new wireless network and basic troubleshooting
techniques.
5. Collaboration and Support:
o Work closely with local stakeholders to integrate the project with existing community
development initiatives.
o Establish a support system for ongoing technical assistance and maintenance.
6. Monitoring and Reporting:
o Establish metrics to measure the impact of the wireless network on community
connectivity, education, economic activities, and social inclusion.
o Produce regular reports documenting the progress, challenges, and outcomes of the
project.
Expected Outcomes
• Improved internet connectivity for selected sparse, low-density communities in the Northern
region of Brazil.
• Enhanced access to educational resources, economic opportunities, and social services
through reliable internet connectivity.
• Increased digital literacy and technical skills among community members, empowering them
to participate more fully in the digital economy.
• Demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness of new wireless technologies for providing
internet access in remote areas.
• A scalable and sustainable model for deploying wireless networks in other underserved
communities in Brazil and similar regions globally.
By leveraging innovative wireless technologies, the Instituto Nupef's project aims to bridge the digital
divide in the Northern region of Brazil, fostering digital inclusion and enabling sustainable community
development.
4o
Close the Gap International and Media Matters for Women – Sierra Leone: Awarded USD $234,005
to launch Digitruck Salone, a digital classroom project empowering students and female
entrepreneurs in rural communities.
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Close the Gap International and Media Matters for Women – Digitruck Salone Project in Sierra
Leone
Problem Statement
In rural communities of Sierra Leone, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities are severely
limited by the lack of access to digital resources and training. Schools often lack the infrastructure
and technology necessary to provide students with a modern education, while female entrepreneurs
face significant challenges in accessing information, markets, and skills development programs.
These gaps contribute to persistent inequalities in education and economic empowerment,
particularly for women and girls, hindering their ability to improve their livelihoods and contribute to
community development.
Project Overview
Close the Gap International and Media Matters for Women have been awarded USD $234,005 to
launch Digitruck Salone, a mobile digital classroom project designed to empower students and
female entrepreneurs in rural communities of Sierra Leone. This initiative aims to provide access to
digital education and training, bridging the gap in technology and resources that limits opportunities
for learning and economic growth in these underserved areas. By leveraging mobile technology, the
project seeks to create inclusive and sustainable pathways for education and entrepreneurship.
Objectives
1. Deploy Mobile Digital Classrooms:
o Convert trucks into fully equipped mobile digital classrooms, known as Digitrucks,
capable of reaching remote and rural communities.
o Ensure each Digitruck is outfitted with computers, internet connectivity, and
educational software.
2. Empower Students with Digital Education:
o Provide digital literacy and computer skills training to students in rural schools.
o Integrate digital resources and interactive learning tools into the curriculum to
enhance educational outcomes.
3. Support Female Entrepreneurs:
o Offer training programs focused on digital marketing, business management, and
access to online markets for female entrepreneurs.
o Provide resources and mentorship to help women start and grow their businesses
using digital tools.
4. Community Engagement and Capacity Building:
o Engage with local communities to raise awareness about the benefits of digital
education and entrepreneurship.
o Build local capacity by training community members to maintain and support the
Digitrucks and digital programs.
5. Sustainable and Scalable Solutions:
o Develop a sustainable model for operating the Digitrucks, including maintenance and
funding strategies.
o Explore opportunities to expand the project to additional communities based on
initial success and lessons learned.
Implementation Plan
1. Assessment and Planning:
o Conduct a needs assessment to identify target communities and specific educational
and entrepreneurial needs.
o Develop a detailed project plan, including timelines, budgets, and resource
allocation.
2. Digitruck Conversion and Deployment:
o Procure trucks and convert them into Digitrucks, ensuring they are equipped with
the necessary technology and resources.
o Pilot the Digitrucks in selected communities to test and refine the approach.
3. Digital Education and Training Programs:
o Develop and implement digital literacy curricula for students and tailored training
programs for female entrepreneurs.
o Schedule regular visits of the Digitrucks to schools and community centers, ensuring
consistent access to training and resources.
4. Community Engagement:
o Organize informational sessions and workshops to inform community members
about the Digitruck Salone project and its benefits.
o Establish partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to support
the project's objectives.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
o Establish metrics to evaluate the impact of the Digitrucks on educational outcomes
and entrepreneurial success.
o Conduct regular assessments and gather feedback from participants to continuously
improve the program.
6. Sustainability and Scalability:
o Develop a sustainability plan, including strategies for funding, maintenance, and
community involvement.
o Document best practices and lessons learned to facilitate the expansion of the
project to other rural communities.
Expected Outcomes
• Improved digital literacy and computer skills among students in rural communities of Sierra
Leone.
• Enhanced educational outcomes through the integration of digital resources and interactive
learning tools.
• Increased economic opportunities and business growth for female entrepreneurs through
digital training and access to online markets.
• Strengthened community capacity to support and sustain digital education and
entrepreneurship initiatives.
• A scalable model for mobile digital classrooms that can be replicated in other underserved
areas.
By providing mobile digital classrooms and targeted training programs, the Digitruck Salone project
aims to empower students and female entrepreneurs in rural Sierra Leone, fostering educational and
economic development and contributing to greater gender equality and community resilience.
