Escuelas de Pausa sin brecha digital

Chimborazo, Ecuador
Filed on 22 / 05 / 2021
Closed
Funds Raised
US$ 340
Goal
US$ 1,700
Optimum
US$ 2,507
4 Donors
Contributing US$ 15
A digital postcard of Pause

A digital postcard made by the women of the communities.

> 00 Donors
Contributing US$ 25
Virtual Pause Workshop

Participation in a virtual Pause Workshop.

> 00 Donors

About this project

Virtual Schools of Pause to improve communication, leadership and quality of life for rural women.
Material Goal Optimum
10 tablets adapted for educational purposes. The cost per unit is $ 120
Tablets that will help the promoters of the Chimborazo communities to virtually access the Schools of Pause.
US$ 1,200
Task Goal Optimum
Distribution management
Expenses corresponding to the management of equipment distribution
US$ 200
Mobilization
Mobilization for the delivery of the tablets
US$ 300
10 internet plans with 5GB of data
Internet plan with 5GB of data and insurance associated with each tablet that allows repair or replacement in case of damage or loss, and technical support from the contracted company. The monthly cost per unit is $ 12.00 plus tax; that is, $ 80.65 per School for six months.
US$ 807
Total US$ 1,700 US$ 2,507
Necessary
Supplemental

General information

My name is Fabiola Alulema. I work with several rural communities in the cantons of Riobamba, Guamote and Colta in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. For many years, I have supported the implementation of spaces for dialogue, listening and accompanying, for people who wish to improve their communication and broaden the horizons of their perception, through pausing and attentive listening. These spaces are known as ‘Schools of Pause'. Over time, participation in these ‘Schools' has helped women and men to listen to each other better and improve their communication, thus reducing violence, which in many occasions is generated by reacting without pausing and listening first. Furthermore, these ‘schools’ have positively contributed to empowering women and supporting leadership and active participation in their community.

In Ecuador, the Covid19 pandemic has forced the suspension of several in-person activities. Due to the lack of infrastructure and limited digital resources, many rural communities have not been able to virtually continue these activities. During the second wave of the pandemic, many communities have witnessed a significant rise in infections that has prevented the resumption of meetings, where the comrades could carry out the Natural Pause practices and support listening to each other.

The proposed project arises from the need to provide a virtual space for the ‘Schools of Pause’ so we can continue to promote non-violent communication and prevent the increase of violence in rural families, due to intolerance, frustration, misunderstanding, and increased poverty.
The presence of the pandemic has forced our society to advance quickly in technological aspects; however, rural groups still maintain a big gap in the use of technology. Face-to-face training, access to the market, technical support and other activities have been substantially reduced.
To support rural producers, it is necessary to reduce the digital gap, through the optimal use of technology that already exists in the rural sector, the training of local producers so they learn how to utilise these tools, and if possible, the provision of more digital resources that can help us continue with the 'Schools of Pause' that promote equality and equity in our families and society.

Main features and goals of the crowdfunding campaign

The continuity of the 'Schools of Pause' promotes better communication, equity and women's leadership. For this reason, it is important to reach more women and train them to use the technology to maintain virtual contact.

Our objectives:

  1. Train at least 10 promoters to implement the 'Schools of Pause' in their communities.
  2. Each of these Schools will train 3 promoters to create a 'School of Pause' in their community.
  3. Provide 10 tablets at strategic points so that the 'Schools of Pause' can function virtually.
  4. Offer follow-up and support to ensure the proper use of the devices provided.

To achieve these objectives, we are in search of reaching an agreement with Telecommunication companies or a telephone company, for a contract that will provide a group (community) internet package with good conditions of speed, security, and stability at a low cost.

The tablets that we want to deliver are the following:
• 10 tablets adapted for the purposes of the Schools of Pause.
• Internet plan with 5GB of data and insurance for each tablet that allows the repair or replacement in case of damage or loss, and technical support from the contracted company. The monthly cost per unit is $ 12.00 plus tax. The project will support the payment of the first six months of the plan, while subsequent costs will be covered by each field school.

Why this is important

This initiative aims to benefit and support the improvement of the quality of life of rural women in three cantons of the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. The creation of virtual spaces for listening and pausing can improve communication, strengthen women's leadership and promote a more active participation in their organizations and communities. A small contribution from individuals, institutions, companies or groups can support us in meeting this goal and help us continue building a better future together.

Team and experience

I have worked for several years in Social Development. I am part of an Indigenous community. I have empowered women to take on leadership roles, which support positive changes in the communities. Additionally, I have been part of the technical team of projects that FECD has executed, financed, and designed in previous years. I have been part of public and private institutions, such as the Ascender Foundation, that work hard for rural development in the province of Chimborazo. My experience allows me to lead this process and share this with women in rural communities of Chimborazo.

I have led the training of 20 promoters and the implementation of 20 Schools of the Pause in the rural sector. This has significantly contributed to the reduction of gender-based violence in rural communities and has strengthened women's leadership in key roles in organizations and communities.

Social commitment