Sabana Grande de Boyá Now Has Its Own Community Technology Center

Sabana Grande de Boyá Now Has Its Own Community Technology Center
SABANA GRANDE DE BOYÁ, Monte Plata Province, Dominican Republic, April 2, 2012

The aim of these centers is to contribute to reducing the digital divide between those who have access to information and communications technologies (ICTs) and those who do not.

“With this project we are contributing to reducing poverty and eradicating the digital divide, that is, the inequalities that exist between those who have access to ICTs, …

With the opening of these centers, the Office of the First Lady seeks to contribute to reducing the digital divide between those who have access to Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and those who do not.

Altagracia Suriel, Director of Social Program in the DPD, representing the First Lady, stated that those in government are seeking to promote common good and the well-being of everyone.  “With this center we are opening today, the First Lady, Dr. Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, is fulfilling the goal of promoting the common good of Sabana Grande de Boyá and ofproviding education for its youth.”

Mrs. Suriel added that education is a tool for the most powerful strategy that is used for breaking the cycle of poverty, misery, and dependence, and that educating the people is the only path to prosperity and well-being.  “The First Lady is convinced of that, which isthe reason why she has opened over 80 CTCs around the country, where education is being promoted for youth, women, children, and men.

“With this project we are contributing to reducing poverty and eradicating the digital divide, that is, the inequalities that exist between those who have access to ICTs, which open a world of hope for those who use them, because through the Internet they can educate themselves, promote their health, train themselves, create trade relations, find friends, and promote their work,” Mrs. Surielemphasized.

Additionally, César Manzueta, Governor of the Province of Monte Plata, stated that the opening of the center was a significant and historic event for everyone, because it would close the digital divide and contribute to the education and training of the human resources of Sabana Grande de Boyá.

In turn, Leonardo Santana, General Coordinator of the Management Board, assured that the CTC would reduce poverty in the municipalities because knowledge would be made available via its libraries and digital rooms.

Father Modesto Arias of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Parish blessed the center, and stated that the CTC is an asset that will promote the development of the community and that it would be up to the community to defend and care for the center, regardless of who is in government.

The center includes a Space for Hope (Espacio de Esperanza) for children between the ages of three and five, who will receive high-quality early education in order to stimulate their intellect and to allow them to reach their full potential in cognitive, motor, communication, and social skills.
                                   
The Sabana Grande de Boyá CTC has 30 modern computers with Internet connection, access to quality educational programs certified by the National Institute for Professional Technical Training (INFOTEP for its acronym in Spanish) and the Technological Institute of the Americas (ITLA for its acronym in Spanish).  Its users may also have access to databases, online educational programs, courses in computer literacy, employment information, fax, and other facilities.

The municipalities of Sabana Grande de Boyá and the surrounding areas will have access to a community FM (Modular Frequency) radio station, dubbed Radio CTC, so that the community can make its voice heard through training, education and health counseling, on HIV/AIDS, dengue, leptospirosis, and above all, to educate its citizens on moral, civic, and Christian principles.

Additionally, the center includes an office, an information area, a conference room and a multipurpose room for meetings and for planning educational and cultural activities to benefit the community, as well as a community library where young people will have the opportunity to research information and work on their homework.

Joyner Darío, the Manager of the CTC, swore in the Management Board who would be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the center.