Programa Brecha Digital (Digital Gap Program)

• Argentina has a low educational level in Language and Mathematics compared to the region.
• 61% of students manage to complete secondary school. According to regional and national tests, only 13% achieve it within the corresponding time frame and with satisfactory levels of knowledge in Language and Mathematics.
• The pandemic has significantly affected the educational level throughout the country.
• The educational Gini coefficient is among the worst in the region. The socioeconomic level of students strongly influences their school trajectories: poor students who achieve good learning levels are the exception in the Argentine educational system. 

At Fundación Potenciar Solidario, we are professionals that dream of ensuring that all individuals facing greater vulnerability attain the dignity they deserve.

We support more than 450 Social Organizations throughout the country, whose mission is to assist the most vulnerable individuals, collaborating with the sustainable and long-term growth of these organizations, for free.

Through the Digital Gap Program, we expand the access to technology for vulnerable sectors, reducing the existing gap and developing digital skills to level educational inequalities and to empower the individuals for future job insertion.

To achieve this, the following steps are taken:

1. Providing connectivity to NGOs such as schools/community centers/school support centers/professional training centers:

• Donation and repairing of devices.
• Providing Internet.
• Wi-Fi for all locations.

2. Technology adoption:

• Implementation of collaborative work platforms.
• Training of Facilitators in Social Organizations.
• Development of digital skills.
• Evaluation of the use of new technology in Social Organizations.
• Interpretation of new needs for continuous improvement.

3. Inclusive digital learning:

• Define the needs of NGOs and their beneficiaries.
• Evaluate available content.
• Selection of appropriate content.
• Development of specific content.
• Implementation of educational platforms.
• Training for the use of educational platforms.
• Digital citizenship training.
• Evaluate the impact on the education level.

Since 2020, we impacted 19 ONGs, constructing 32 digital classrooms, with plans to build an additional 20 over the next two years.

Our solution serves communities, kids, young people and adults in vulnerable situations, who don't have access to computers and the internet at their homes or schools.

We reach the population through the nonprofits and schools that are part of our network. They already have a bond of trust with them, which helps with the success of the program.

We work along with the organizations, adapting the educational solutions to each community's needs, and providing a continuous training to who will be their digital leaders.

We supply them access to technology and the internet. We help them with the adoption of technology and we provide high quality inclusive digital education.

In an increasing digital world, access to technology is essential for a more promising future, opening up opportunities through education.

Since 2021, we reach more than 7,500 children, 3,600 teenagers, and 1,100 mothers, in 32 locations through 19 non-profit organizations.

The Digital Gap program was initiated in response to a critical issue. During the pandemic, the NGOs and schools within the Fundacion Potenciar Solidario network observed a significant digital gap within the communities they serve in vulnerable neighborhoods.

It was crucial, then, to attend to this problem to continue with schools, jobs and personal support. It was clearly evident that the lack of devices, internet connectivity and basic digital skills prevented them from accessing education and opportunities in this new digital world.

That's why Potenciar Solidario, with leaders of NGOs and schools within the network, along with volunteer specialists in telecommunications, technology, education, and logistics, created the Digital Gap Program. We began in 2020 to tackle these issues by designing realistic solutions. The first six pilots were initiated in 2021, by setting up physical and cloud-based digital classrooms. By 2023, 19 NGOs (in 32 different locations) had benefited from this program. Currently, we are conducting pilot tests of an artificial intelligence platform for the education of children and adolescents.

We created a digital reference community with the leaders of the NGOs, volunteers and Fundacion Potenciar Solidario, where we share a bond of trust that allows us to understand the problems that arise in the territory and seek solutions to those difficulties. By sharing experiences among peers, we all learn from successes and mistakes and shorten the learning curve for those who are new joining the community. Also, we share training needs and difficulties, and we work closely with the ONGs to provide the best solution to the students they serve.

Furthermore, this bond, which strengthens over time, allows us to understand the needs of each of the NGOs in their territories and work with them to find a tailored solution. This allows us to respect the timelines and stages of digitalization of each NGOs, ensuring that the solution is successfully adopted reaching the students.

We believe that the Digital Gap Program in every NGO is not limited to a specific time period, but rather a process of continuous improvement in the level of digitalization of education and the processes of the NGOs themselves.

Each year, we measured the impact.

Our plan is to continue implementing digital classrooms with educational platforms that enhance learning. We know which NGOs of our network can take advantage of this investment to carry out inclusive digital learning programs with their students. 

With 32 digital classrooms built since 2021, and working closely with 19 nonprofits organizations and schools we established a protocol for the digitization process. As of 2024, we are helping more than 12.000 people.

Many NGO want to be part of the Digital Gap Program, but we analyze and have interviews with them to really understand their expectations and how much they are willing to invest time and human resources to be able to implement the program. The digital transformation of the NGO and the implementation of digital education for beneficiaries must be part of their short and medium term strategic plan.

Only the NGOs that have a bond with us for some time and that we already are sure they are compromised and willing to work hard are the ones that are taken into consideration to be part of the program.

We start the digitization process by equipping the organizations and schools with internet connection and equipment. The equipment is recycled from companies that donate them.

We train the staff in the use of basic digital tools, such as implementing work collaboration platforms (Google or Microsoft). Our goal is for them to incorporate digital tools into daily activities. We want teachers and staff to develop digital skills for them to be able to educate beneficiaries in digital skills.

The first step with beneficiaries is to introduce computers. Most of them just use cell phones, so we need to train them on how to use computers. We start teaching them how to use the keyboard and the mouse, how to look up information on the internet, how to distinguish between facts and fake information, how to create and use an email and register on digital platforms, understand online safety, and how to create digital content and collaborate online with others.

The other  important step is the implementation of educational platforms so that beneficiaries have access to motivating and good quality educational content. Meanwhile we continue training the digital leaders in new tools.

Digital transformation and growth is an ever lasting process, and we help NGOs continue this process so that they are able to have more benefits through the use of technology.

That is why we are actually working with 2 schools to implement an AI educational platform that not only helps teachers make better plans and tests, but also help students learn using AI in a safe but highly motivating and personalized environment.

We collect data to measure the impact on learning outcomes by using metrics that education digital platforms provide. We measure digitalized processes and outcomes of each NGO, as well as running surveys to measure the level of satisfaction.

We use Salesforce to register the information of the NGOs and their development, as well as dashboards where we can analyze impact.

We are interested in everything Solve has to offer. In Argentina, discussions often revolve around project funding due to recurrent crises. We aspire to connect with organizations focused on enhancing education through technology, aiming to resonate on a different wavelength and set ambitious goals.

We seek inspiration and insights from organizations dedicated to providing digital learning opportunities to vulnerable populations, empowering young individuals for technology-related employment. Learning from their best practices and leveraging the finest tools available are our priorities. Moreover, we aim to join a network to access connectivity solutions and procure more equipment donations.

Additionally, we require assistance in evaluating the impact of our program and acquiring necessary software licenses. 

The most innovative aspect of our program is that we develop a solution TOGETHER with the NGOs and schools of our network that are in contact with the beneficiaries in the field. We implement the program alongside them, adapting the general solution to the needs of each NGO and the individuals they serve. We understand the starting point of each one and train the digital leaders of each NGO so that they can lead the digital transformation of their own organization and the digital education of their beneficiaries.

Technology democratizes access to knowledge and development. However, individuals in vulnerable situations require assistance not only to access the internet and devices but also to learn how to utilize technology to learn and enhance their quality of life. If we don't invest on it, there will be an increasing number of people without access to the new opportunities the digital world offers, and the digital gap will continue to widen.

Today, we call children and adolescents "digital natives," but using technology for entertainment and social networks does not mean they understand and take advantage of everything technology can help them develop and grow. When adults and the environment do not teach them that, the NGOs can assume that role and show them that through technology, they can learn and fulfill their dreams.

1. What does the program do? Digitize the NGOs and schools within the network, enabling them to operate more efficiently and allowing the population they serve to participate in the process of becoming digital learners.

2. What are the products or services directly stemming from the program?

3. What are the real changes in people’s lives that result from the achievement of the outputs? What will lead to the achievement of the goal of the program?
Our impact goals are to help people adopt the use of technology. This helps them improve their lives by having access to knowledge, information and skills to pursue their dreams and be more efficient. 

In Argentina technology and connectivity is not available to people from vulnerable contexts so we need to end this gap helping them to adopt the use of technology and to build digital skills. 

That is why we measure impact by quantifying the number of computers, notebooks, tablets and cell phones that we make available to children, young people and adults that attend the NGOs, quantifying the number of digital learning platform licenses, and making surveys where we ask how the use of technology impacted their education and their everyday lives. Not only do we ask direct beneficiaries of the NGOs but also we ask the teachers and other members of the NGO that are now using technology and digitizing their processes and tasks.

To measure the impact on education, we use measurement boards generated by digital educational platforms and we compare the results obtained by students in tests before they used technology and after. We also receive feedback from teachers, in which they generally highlight student motivation and autonomy, besides the good results.

All of these results are possible thanks to the network of digital leaders of each NGO that we built in the program. In this community we train them, we listen to their needs and look for solutions, they learn from other members and we help them drive the digital transformation of the NGO and the education programs. Empowering, training and accompanying these leaders by building a community is essential for the success of the program. The active participation of each leader enhances the community and helps them learn from the good and bad experiences of others, in addition to encouraging themselves to manage change, keep motivated through difficulties and implement best practices.

We also want to reduce electronic waste, so we measure the number of equipment we receive as donations and how much we reuse and recycle. We extend the life of the devices we reuse thanks to the help of volunteers who provide permanent technical support to NGOs to solve problems that may arise. 

ODS 1 No poverty:

Target 1.4: Basic services.We provide access to basic services such as internet and devices. 

Indicators: 

• # access to basic services: internet.

• # computers

• # notebooks

• # tablets

• # cell phones

• # headphones

• # access points

• # digital classrooms

ODS 4 Quality Education:

Target 4.1: We ensure that girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

Indicators:

• Children and young people to end primary and secondary school achieving minimum proficiency level in reading and math.

• # of Matific licenses (Math learning platform) 

• # of educational platform licenses

• Educational platform metrics 

Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical skill for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. 

Indicators: 

• Youth and adults with information and communications technology skills.

• # of students that use technology in the NGOs 

•  # of courses in digital skills given to youth and adults

Target 4.6: Ensure that youth and adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy. 

Indicators: 

• # people achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills, by sex.

• # of Matific licenses (Math learning platform). 

• # of educational platform licenses.

• Educational platform metrics.

Target 4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers and teacher training in developing countries. Indicators: 

• # of digital training.

•  # of registered users on our Portal who access webinars and demos.

ODS 8 Decent work and economic growth:

Target 8.2: Achieve higher level of economic productivity through technological upgrading.

Indicators: 

• # of youth trained.

• # of youth employed.

Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

Indicators: 

• # of youth trained.

• # of youth employed.

ODS 10 Reduce Inequalities within and among countries:

Target 10.1: Achieve and sustain income growth of the button 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.

Indicator: # of people participating in the program.

Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Indicator: # of people participating in the program.

ODS 17 Partnership for the Goals:

Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism. 

Indicators: 

• # of new people with access to the internet. 

• # of NGOs and schools. 

• # of donors for devices for this program.

• #  of articulations with actors in the technology, telecommunications and education sector.

• # alliances with digital educational platforms.

Our solution is based on various technological areas. 

To begin with, internet connectivity and access to digital devices such as computers, notebooks, tablets, and cellphones are fundamental for its implementation. Once digital classrooms connected to the internet are set up, we deploy collaborative work platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 and develop basic digital skills so that NGO teams can use digital tools and collaborate in the cloud. 

Subsequently, we implement digital educational platforms like Matific, Ticmas, and other educational games to enhance learning in children and young people and further develop digital skills. 

Currently, we have also implemented an education platform with AI for teachers and students, to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in personalizing and motivating education, as well as facilitating teacher planning, content generation, and evaluation, enabling teachers to focus on guiding the educational process and motivating students. 

Another aspect we address with children and adults is digital citizenship, to raise awareness of existing risks and the responsible use of technology. 

The program is a continuous improvement project aimed at strengthening the use of technology within the NGO and achieving enhancements in educational quality and the development of digital skills for the future of children, youth, and adults. 

Through the establishment of a nationwide network of digital leaders and regular virtual gatherings, we facilitate knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and the dissemination of cutting-edge developments. 

Furthermore, our comprehensive support infrastructure, including a Portal housing tailored resources (www.portal.potenciarsolidario.org), underscores our commitment to empowering NGOs with the available tools and expertise for sustainable growth and impact.

Full time staff: 1

Part time staff: 2

Volunteers: 10

4 years

At Fundación Potenciar Solidario, we work for diversity and inclusion of persons in vulnerable contexts. 

Any person or non-governmental organization dedicated to working in Argentina for the well-being of people in vulnerable situations and shares the values of building bridges, magnanimity, humility, generous commitment, excellence, perseverance, and transparency is invited to join our team, volunteer, or network of NGOs. All of them are diverse in terms of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, nationality, disability, education, and political opinions. 

There are no barriers of any kind in our team, composed of volunteers, paid staff, and our board of directors. We value the wide range of backgrounds, experiences, skills, and characteristics that each person brings to our mission of working together for the dignity of persons. However, all our programs are led by persons who identify as women.

FPS was founded by a group of friends, all identified as men. The current board of directors, consisting of five persons and the Executive Director, remains the founding group. The board is diverse in terms of backgrounds and skills. We are working to address the gender diversity issue on the board by inviting individuals of diverse genders to join the board during renewals, although we have not been successful in this effort so far. Perhaps Solve could also help us achieve this goal.

Key resources:

• Communities of the NGOS (beneficiaries)

• Leaders of the NGOs

• NGO Networks

• Portal Potenciar Solidario: www.portal.potenciarsolidario.... 

• Paid staff

• Volunteers

Partners/Key Stakeholders:

• Institutional Allies

• Partner Companies

• Government

• Media

• Universities

Key Activities:

• Evaluation and assistance in critical management processes of NGOs whose social purpose is to assist people in vulnerable situations

• Comprehensive training and counseling on donors, volunteers, leaders, funds, and programs.

Type of intervention:

We provide training and consultant services (on donors, volunteers, leaders, funds and programs) and products (ie, access to internet and devices)

Channels:

• Direct contact with NGOs

• Group and personalized virtual meetings

• NGO community networks

• FPS educational portal: www.portal.potenciarsolidario.org

Market and Customers:

In Argentina, there are more than 110,000 Civil Society Organizations (Source: Compromiso Foundation) that collaborate for the common good. For Fundación Potenciar Solidario (FPS), the customer segment are NGOs that work to transform social reality. A lot of these NGOs have lasting achievements, but they are stagnant in their growth and development, with overwhelmed teams struggling to maintain sustainability.

Beneficiaries:

According to INDEC (National Institute of Statistics and Census) in Argentina, it is estimated that 40% of the population are poor and 9% are in a situation of indigence. If we only consider children and adolescents, 52.7% in the country are poor in terms of their household income, and within these, 10.1% are indigent, meaning extremely poor. FPS works with more than 450 NGOs whose mission is to assist people in vulnerable situations. We dream that all men and women in situations of greater vulnerability achieve the dignity that corresponds to every human being.

Value proposition:

User value proposition:

  Free comprehensive complementary management proposal, training in fundraising and volunteering, providing programs and helping their strategic growth.

Customer Value proposition:

We seek to create value for NGOs and, through them, to help the most vulnerable people.

According to our own surveys and analysis, we have discovered a stagnation in growth in a social context that "cries out" for help. This is because NGOs are immersed in sustainability schemes that lead to "thinking" in short-term planning horizons. 

This is generated because in many cases, fundraising, management, resource development models and volunteers tend to be scattered, unstable, with weak processes, with no technology, and with fiscal, legal, and labor contingencies.

If this situation persists over time, it turns into "pain" and less social impact as it generates "burned-out" team members (volunteers and paid staff), daily contingencies that "explode", chronic stagnation and potential closure of the institution.

Unfortunately, according to our research, more than 30% of the NGOs we have been analyzing since 2009 decline their focus on the social issues that they were tackling.

Costs Structure:

Revenues Structure:

The Digital Gap program is sustained thanks to the collaboration of private companies and individuals that donate digital equipment and funds. 

We use the funds to fix computers and other equipments, to buy access points and routers or pay for fiber laying to bring connectivity to NGOs. Also we buy licenses of digital educational platforms (at the cost) and help NGOs cover the cost of digital leaders.

Many companies are interested in improving educational quality to reduce poverty and need to prepared young people with digital skills to be able to fill the jobs that arise. They are key stakeholders, helping us scale the program.

We build new networks with donors and companies that provide equipment, internet services and digital education, in order to  continue to bring better solutions that reach more NGOs.

We also help the NGOs to raise funds to pay for connectivity and equipment, so they become independent. 

So far, we did this with 32 digital classrooms in 19 ONGs, in the last four years. We are planning to build 20 new digital classrooms in the next 2 years.