Programs: Inveneo
Facts
Announced:
December 7, 2010 and September 8, 2011
Category:
Facilitating Job Training & Workforce Development
Grant Amount: $1,001,688 in Grants
Grant Objective:
To expand Inveneo's broadband network, provide training to Haitians, and provide solar power for computer labs in rural Haiti.
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Long-distance WiFi Internet link in Port-au-Prince.
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Inveneo trains Haitian technicians tower climbing safety and rescue techniques.
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Inveneo trainee conducts repairs.
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Children learn to use the Internet at one of Inveneo's International Project Sites.
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Haitian NGOs are able to connect to the Internet and relay news thanks to a new WiFi Internet link.
"The power of this program is that in addition to enabling rural communities with high-speed connections, we are also providing Internet connectivity that can be resold to Haitian Internet cafes, community organizations, and other businesses, stimulating economic growth. Just as important, turning over networks to Haitian ISPs and training Haitian technicians will lay the building blocks for Haitians to own and grow these services." — Gary Edson, CEO of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
"The power of this program is that in addition to enabling rural communities with high-speed connections, we are also providing Internet connectivity that can be resold to Haitian Internet cafes, community organizations, and other businesses, stimulating economic growth. Just as important, turning over networks to Haitian ISPs and training Haitian technicians will lay the building blocks for Haitians to own and grow these services."
- Gary Edson, CEO of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund has awarded two grants totaling over $1 million to Inveneo, a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to connect and empower rural and underserved communities in the developing world with information and communications technologies (ICTs), to bring broadband connectivity to schools and cities in rural Haiti.
Haiti Connected Cities:
The first grant of $742,688 to Inveneo will accelerate the development of sustainable, high-speed wireless broadband connectivity to 20 population centers in six rural regions across Haiti, which will in turn stimulate economic growth and support decentralization of the country. Additionally, Inveneo will utilize funds to partner with several Haitian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer 12- to 18-month technical training programs to prepare local partners to manage and take full responsibility for the network. Training programs for Haitian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) entrepreneurs will also be provided.
Haiti Connected Schools:
The second grant of $259,000 will allow the nonprofit to provide solar power for computer labs at 40 schools in rural Haiti. Using local installers and domestic equipment for the solar panels, Inveneo is using sustainable energy technology to bring broadband access to students. Inveneo will train school teachers, administrators, and students in digital literacy, and support local talent by employing Haitian IT and solar panel technicians for installation and support of the systems.
Why We Invested in Inveneo
Clinton Bush Haiti Fund's grant to Inveneo reflects our commitment to creating economic opportunity and jobs by supporting innovative, inclusive economic models and building the capacity of Haitian entrepreneurs.
Transforming Lives and Livelihoods
With support from the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Inveneo seeks to:
- Build upon the work that was accomplished in the days following the January 12 earthquake when Inveneo deployed a long-distance Wi-Fi network across Port-au-Prince.
- Transition to a more sustainable, long-term network, providing Internet access to 20 population centers in six regions across the country;
- Connect 40 schools with improved access to information through a sustainable energy solution;
- Partner with several Haitian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as part of Inveneo's Certified ICT Partner Program and offer 12- to 18-month technical training programs to prepare local partners to manage and take full responsibility for the network.
About Inveneo
Inveneo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to connect and empower rural and underserved communities in the developing world with information and communications technologies (ICTs). It works with and serves organizations that deliver vital education, healthcare, economic development, and relief services to some of the poorest communities in the world. By doing so Inveneo enables these organizations — NGOs, governments and others — to more effectively serve those in need through technology. Inveneo partners with local ICT entrepreneurs though the Inveneo Certified ICT Partner (ICIP) program — now active in 24 countries — to deliver and support these solutions locally. Learn more about Inveneo's work at www.inveneo.org.
