by Charles Gladden

BELMOPAN, Wed. Aug. 21, 2024

The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE), along with the Embassy of Taiwan in Belize through the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), closed Phase 1 of the Digital Inclusion Program on Tuesday, August 20.

The Digital Inclusion Program is steered by Belize’s National Digital Agenda 2022-2025 and is aimed at empowering marginalized communities by providing access to digital technologies and training, thereby fostering upward socio-economic mobility.

Phase 1 of the project was implemented by the E-Governance and Digitalization Department, co-funded by Taiwan ICDF and UNDP, and saw the installation of a nationwide network of 14 Digital Connect Centers throughout Belize.

The Digital Connect Centers are equipped with computers, high-speed internet, and supporting Information and Communications Technology (ICT) resources. The centers serve as community hubs for accessing online government services and receiving digital skills training.

A series of digital skills training sessions were provided by ICDF Taiwan, as a part of Phase 1, during which 20 virtual and in-person training sessions, which provided over 300 Belizean youths with skills in Microsoft Office essentials, were conducted countrywide.

Phase 2 of the Digital Inclusion Program, which will involve the delivery of nationwide digital skills training to elderly persons, will be overseen by UNDP and the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous People’s Affairs, in collaboration with the National Council of Aging.

The launch of Belize’s network of Digital Connect Centers marks a significant advancement in promoting digital inclusion and education in Belize.