Committee for Democracy in Information Technology

CDI provides access to technology to at-risk youth and adults in slums and low-income communities where it is extremely difficult to break the cycle of poverty due to chronic violence, lack of education and resources. We believe that technology can be used as a tool to help the economically disadvantaged find better jobs, strengthen their communities and find solutions to their problems.

To foster the social and economic inclusion of underprivileged groups by using ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) as tools for building and exercising active citizens' rights, stimulating entrepreneurship, and promoting community development and empowerment.

CDI partners with community-based organizations to open informal technology schools, known as IT & Citizens’ Rights Schools. The partner organization provides space and volunteers to manage the schools and receive training to become instructors. CDI provides free computers and software, continuous capacity building, educational methodology and curriculum, and ongoing monitoring and support.

CDI's curriculum integrates technology education with civic education and uses the classroom as a space to encourage discussions about issues relevant to the community such as human rights, sexual education, health and non-violence.

Today, the CDI Network is made up of 891 schools throughout Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay and South Africa. All schools are autonomous, self-managed and self-sustaining. The CDI Network functions as a non-profit “social franchise" and is coordinated through 36 Regional Offices in eight countries.

CDI schools are also present in indigenous villages, institutions that assist special needs individuals (such as the mentally or physically disabled), and prisons.

CDI’s experience has proven that access to technology fights poverty, creates opportunities, stimulates entrepreneurship and empowers at-risk youth and adults to search for solutions to their problems. CDI graduates have gone on to find better jobs, open small businesses and transform their communities. According to an independent survey, 87% of CDI students said their lives improved after having had access to technology. In the past 11 years, more than half a million people have benefitted from CDI programs.

Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay, South Africa

Priscilla Neri / CDI International
c/o ABN AMRO Bank, 499 Washington Blvd, 12th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07310
Phone: (201) 427-4383
www.cdi.org.br
EIN: 20-1803105