Digital inclusion: project offers informatics training to RESEX community

A project developed by ASMOREX, in a partnership with Biofílica and Centro de Estudos Rioterra, aims to expand the professional qualification of the residents of the reserve.

The inhabitants of Reserva Extrativista Rio Preto-Jacundá, where Biofílica acts through a REDD+ Project in a partnership with Centro de Estudos Rioterra and Associação dos Moradores da RESEX (ASMOREX), are already attending free informatics courses held at the community complex telecenter.

Designed to reach students from all age groups, starting with children with 8 years who can read, the course arose from the association’s perception of  the importance of offering residents the opportunity to obtain the knowledge required to occupy administrative positions in the city or in the association itself.

“We need qualified people. For years,  ASMOREX has been managed by the same people due to lack of qualification; many here cannot even use a computer or use a keyboard to create a document”, explains
Denise Vieira Borges, coordinator of the course and activities.

In 4-hour weekly classes, the students have access to interactive videos and lessons ranging from introduction to informatics up to more complex software used in web development and creation, which are separated in basic and advanced modules.

“The course will add a lot to the curriculum of these people. Regardless of whether being here or in the city, it is essential to have an informatics course.” says Denise, who also notes: “Now they don’t have to go to the city or pay for attending a course. They take the course here, receive their certificate, and are able to use the knowledge acquired to work.”

ASMOREX Community Complex

The association’s community complex was inaugurated in April, 2019, and counts with eight houses, one community office with a computer room, cafeteria and auditorium, as well as a shed especially designed to house the machinery and equipment that facilitate the work routine of the extractivists who live in the area.

The facilities provided the community with new possibilities through internet access and electricity, which previously had a much smaller reach.