The Bank of Brazil’s (BB) Digital Inclusion Program attained the mark of 1000 community telecenters installed in the country. On March 31st, the municipality of Januária, in the state of Minas Gerais, with around 63 thousand inhabitants, received the program’s 1000th unit.
Another 30 units are in the process of being installed in various regions. Each telecenter provides basic computer courses and free internet access.
The goal of the program is not only digital inclusion but the use of technology and knowledge to create opportunities for employment and income in the communities.
To implant the telecenters, the program relies on help from the community itself and partners, such as churches and non-governmental organizations.
According to the BB’s vice-president of Technology and Infrastructure, José Luiz de Cerqueira César, the telecenters are an important tool enabling communities to get involved in local development activities.
The Digital Inclusion Program began with the technological modernization of the Bank itself, which resulted in the liberation of 50 thousand computers.
15 thousand were set aside for the implantation of telecenters, and 35 thousand are being distributed to organizational partners and federal government agencies to bolster digital inclusion networks.
The program also offers content for introductory computer courses. Approximately one million people in 400 Brazilian municipalities are receiving the benefits.
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil