The WiderNet Project

The WiderNet works to deliver educational resources, knowledge and training to underprivileged individuals and communities worldwide and improve their digital communication. The WiderNet Project is a non-profit organization based in Durham, NC and affiliated with the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Years of experience has taught us that the best way to provide educational resources is to take a holistic approach. We not only provide computers, networking, and educational resources, we also offer low-cost, high-impact training.

This is especially important because building human capacity enables people to be independent and self-sufficient using Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The WiderNet serves many people who lack internet connectivity and information resources, but its work specifically focuses on needs in developing countries.

Why? The developing world lags behind in their access to digital information and communication. Currently, 5 billion people lack adequate access to the Internet. In many developing countries, universities may have a direct connection to the Internet, but not enough bandwidth to adequately serve their users. Only a fraction of professors and students have access to email and basic computer programs.

The result is the exclusion of these developing regions from global communication and seeking a better education.

The WiderNet addresses these problems. We believe that ICT can empower people, giving them better access to information, knowledge and communication and in that way improve their overall quality of life.