Fundacion Potenciar Solidario por la Dignidad de cada persona

At Fundación Potenciar Solidario we support more than 450 NGOs dedicated to working for the dignity of each person. We help them with management, volunteering, communication and fundraising so that they can focus on their social purpose and sustainable growth.

In addition, we train and recognize NGOs leaders and facilitate networking among them.

We also convene and articulate a network of organizations with common objectives so that they can share experiences and work together.

We provide technological solutions to different problems that the NGOs have. The basis of all solutions are the processes, and we provide digital tools to set the different processes in a professional way. In this sense, we train them and provide support of an accounting system and a CRM.

In addition, along with the NGOs of our network, we provide access to technologies to more than 12.000 individuals of vulnerable sectors, 11.000 being children and teenagers and more than 1000 being mothers. We train them, developing digital skills and contributing to leveling educational and job opportunities, closing the digital gap. 

Our values

• Build bridges

• Magnanimity

• Humility

• Generous commitment

• Excellence

• Perseverance

• Transparency

Valentina Mammolino is the leader of the Digital Gap Program and responsible of technology and innovation within Fundacion Potenciar Solidario. 

She has a degree in computer science and has been working on the use of technology in education and innovation for NGOs for more than 15 years. 

She designed the program together with specialists and NGO leaders and is responsible for the implementation and sustainability of the program, as well as the continuous improvement and use of new technologies. 

She also conducts research and establishes partnerships with sector companies to enhance the opportunities for NGOs and their beneficiaries to access cutting-edge digital and educational tools.

Despite other organizational priorities, our Team Lead and senior staff are adept at managing time and resources efficiently. They can allocate 3-4 hours per week to the LEAP Project without compromising on quality or productivity. 

One of the leader's main objectives is to improve and scale the program and she currently spends 20% of her time investigating how to do it. The LEAP Project is aligned with this, therefore the dedication to the LEAP Project is within the leader's priority agenda.

Our team has a proven track record of successful collaboration across diverse projects. This ability to work harmoniously within the team and with external partners enhances our capacity to contribute effectively to the LEAP Project. Effective communication is key to successful project management. 

Our Team Lead excels in providing constructive feedback and fostering open communication channels. This facilitates seamless coordination within the team and with external stakeholders.

Digital Gap Program, provides technology to kids in vulnerable conditions, developing digital skills to level educational.

• 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.
  

• 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 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. 

• The pandemic has significantly affected the educational level throughout the country.

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

We support more than 450 NGOs dedicated to working for the dignity of each person. We help them with management, volunteering, communication and fundraising so that they can focus on their social purpose and drive their sustainable growth.

In addition, we train and recognize the NGOs leaders and facilitate networking among them.

We convene and articulate a network of organizations with a common objective so that they can share experiences and act on initiatives together.

We provide solutions to the different problems that an NGO may have. The basis of all solutions are the processes and we provide the digital tool for that process. Among others, we facilitate the implementation, training and support of an accounting system and a CRM.

In addition, together with the NGOs of our network, we broaden the access of vulnerable sectors to technologies and work insertion, developing skills and contributing to leveling opportunities.

Through the Digital Gap Program, we expand the access to technology for people in vulnerable conditions, reducing the existing gap and developing digital skills to level educational inequalities and to empower the individuals for future job insertion. We work with more than 12,000 people, 5,000 of them are 2 to 12 years old.

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 Digital leaders 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 educational 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.

One of the most important step is the implementation of educational platforms so that beneficiaries have access to motivating and good quality educational content. We train continuously the digital leaders in this 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 for them and their beneficiaries.

For example, we are currently 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.

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

We use formative research. We collect data to measure the impact. We use Salesforce Platform. 

In the Digital Gap Program we measure learning outcomes by using metrics that education digital platforms provide and satisfaction surveys to teachers. We also measure digitalized processes and outcomes of each NGO, as well as running surveys to measure the level of satisfaction.

Periodically, we conduct surveys with digital leaders from the participating NGOs in the program to assess satisfaction levels, the level of digitalization of their processes and programs, the impact on their work due to process digitalization, the impact on the quality of learning of their participants, and the level of motivation of the participants. 

In addition to the surveys, we measure growth in the licenses requested for the implemented educational platforms and their usage. We also measure the degree of technology adoption internally within the NGOs by analyzing the implemented tools and the training conducted. All these indicators increase not only due to the entry of new NGOs into the program but also because the NGOs that are already part of it increase their usage of platforms and tools over time, and have even incorporated digital plans into their strategic plans.

The licenses for the MATIFIC math learning platform have doubled because students have responded so positively to its use that NGOs are extending its use to other student groups. Technology usage has also been extended to people with intellectual disabilities, as initial tests have shown that they can work autonomously and regulate the pace of learning.

The program is in the stage of scaling it to new NGOs, and due to its characteristics, it will always be incorporating new technologies and tools. That's why we need to standardize diagnostic and impact evaluations that allow us to assess the effectiveness of new solutions for NGOs and their beneficiaries. Subsequently, we can effectively measure the impact to determine if it's effective and can be extrapolated to other populations.

How do we define and keep updated the content of what digital literacy means? 

How do we assess the level of digitalization of the beneficiaries? And that of NGOs?

How do we measure the impact on educational quality through the implemented digital platforms and compare it with groups that did not have access to the platforms in a simple way?

We chose Formative research methods for our LEAP Project.

Formative research encompasses a variety of methodologies which are crucial for iteratively refining our solution before implementation. Our desired outputs include:

Usability Studies: Conducting usability studies will help identify usability issues and gather feedback on the user experience of our solution. This will inform iterative improvements to enhance user satisfaction and interaction.

User Interviews: Engaging with end-users through interviews will provide valuable insights into their needs, preferences, and pain points. These insights will guide the development of tailored solutions that effectively address user requirements.

Implementation Studies: Examining the implementation process will help identify challenges and barriers to effective deployment. By understanding implementation dynamics, we can streamline processes and optimize resource utilization.

Case Studies: Analyzing relevant case studies will provide practical examples and lessons learned from similar initiatives. This knowledge will inform our decision-making process and mitigate potential risks.

Through these formative research methods, our desired outputs will include comprehensive research recommendations comprising well-informed study designs, strategic frameworks, and robust monitoring and evaluation tools. These outputs will serve to strengthen the evidence base of our solution, ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability in addressing the digital gap challenge.

Following the LEAP Project sprint's conclusion, our organization will strategically implement the outputs generated to maximize their impact. Here's how we plan to put these outputs into action:

1. Implementation of Recommendations: We will thoroughly analyze the research recommendations produced by the LEAP Fellows and integrate them into our existing programs and initiatives. These recommendations, including study designs, frameworks, and monitoring tools, will serve as guidelines for enhancing our solution's effectiveness.

2. Capacity Building: We will leverage the outputs to facilitate capacity building within our organization and among tha NGOs. By sharing the research recommendations and tools developed during the LEAP Project, we aim to empower individuals and organizations to address the digital gap challenge effectively.

3. Continuous Improvement: The outputs will not be static but rather dynamic resources that undergo continuous improvement and refinement. We will solicit feedback from stakeholders and iterate on the recommendations to adapt to evolving needs and emerging trends. This iterative approach ensures that our solutions remain relevant and impactful over time.

In summary, the outputs of the LEAP Project sprint will not only inform our organization's immediate actions but also contribute to long-term strategies for addressing the digital gap. Through strategic implementation, capacity building, continuous improvement, and scaling up, we aim to create lasting positive change in the communities we serve.

These are the desired long-term outcomes:

Enhanced Capacity: Through participation in the LEAP Project, our organization aims to enhance its capacity to tackle complex challenges related to digital literacy and inclusion. We anticipate developing a deeper understanding of effective strategies and methodologies for addressing the digital gap, strengthening our expertise in this domain.

Expanded Network: Engagement in the LEAP Project will enable us to expand our network of collaborators, partners, and stakeholders. By forging strategic partnerships, we aim to amplify the impact of our initiatives and reach a broader audience, thereby accelerating progress towards our organizational goals.

Sustainable Growth: The insights gained from the LEAP Project will inform our organizational growth strategy, facilitating sustainable expansion and scalability of our digital literacy initiatives. We envision long-term sustainability by establishing robust frameworks, processes, and partnerships to support our mission.

Improved Effectiveness: The outputs generated during the LEAP Project sprint will contribute to the refinement and optimization of our solution. By implementing the research recommendations and tools developed, we anticipate improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our digital literacy programs, leading to better outcomes for our target beneficiaries.

Increased Reach: Leveraging the knowledge and resources acquired through the LEAP Project, our solution aims to expand its reach and impact [5]. We aspire to reach underserved communities with tailored interventions that empower individuals with digital skills, thereby bridging the digital divide and fostering socio-economic inclusion.

Long-lasting Impact: Ultimately, the desired long-term outcome of our solution is to create a lasting impact on individuals and communities affected by the digital gap. By equipping people with the necessary digital competencies, we aim to empower them to access opportunities, participate fully in the digital economy, and lead more fulfilling lives.

In conclusion, the 12-week LEAP Project sprint presents a pivotal opportunity for our organization and solution to drive positive change in addressing the digital gap. Through enhanced capacity, expanded networks, improved effectiveness, increased reach, and long-lasting impact, we aspire to contribute significantly to creating a more digitally inclusive society.