Viasat is working together with International Connector, ASPPR, and Women's Campaign International in communities in Puerto Rico to bring satellite connectivity, technology, and training to two of the worst hit areas from Hurricane Maria. We are pilotting this comprehensive program through September to measure what impact connecctivity can have to a person's life - even if they only connect once.
In Arroyo, an area of Puerto Rico without even a Library and where more than 50% of the population lives in poverty (Data USA), we measured upward of 80% of visitors in the hub do not have access to reliable or any internet at home. Our working space is open to the public five days per week and we leverage the space and technology to offer training for local community members ranging from students to mothers to small business owners to nurses on topics such as computer literacy and STEM, health & wellness, entrepreneurship, women empowerment, and emergency prepardness. Our first two satellite installations are located at public health medical clinics so our community hubs will also serve as resilient emergency response hubs when the next hurricane hits.
We're Making an Impact:
- 1000+ visitors who are interacting, learning, and using the internet
- 3000+ hours of internet usage driving training and facilitating information sharing
- 25+ workshops held for community members
- 15+ corporate and nonprofit partners participating
Find out what the community members say:
"We really needed this in Arroyo…This hub will help me further my career as a Business Administrator”
- Angel Miguel, Age 17, Business Student
“I’m glad the center is finally open… [I] bring my daughter here and do my own research while she gets the help and tools she needs to complete her assignments.”
- Darielys Gomez, Mother in Arroyo
Visit us at: www.innovativeresilience.org
Each week, the operational costs are $1000. How your donations help:
$25 Supports a high school student to connect to the internet for their studies
$50 Supports a local to learn the basics of using a computer and the internet
$100 Supports a local entrepreneur to use the connectivity to access business mentorship
$600 Supports a women leader in the community to facilitate the hub
$1000 Enables opportunities for an often overlooked at risk community
