Programs

Location of CEN Projects

Today we are focusing our resources on the communities in the Amazon, where we are operating a pilot project in three communities. Two of these communities, Suruacá and Maguari were the sites where CEN founder and current Director, Robert Bortner, managed the USAID-funded Rio Tapajós (Brazil) Telecenter Installation Project . This project set up solar-powered community telecenters in both communities. 

Our current goal is to develop and apply a cohesive set of core courses targeted to the needs of rural communities in the region. We call the program Creating a Culture of Learning and Empowerment in the Amazon Region (cCLEAR). The objectives for the cCLEAR Program are: 

• Develop and implement a cost-effective and replicable program: 

• that fosters a culture of learning and empowerment, and provides skills which participants can successfully and sustainably apply to a broad range of community development priorities
• becomes a solid, replicable platform for our subsequent activities in these and future communities 

10-15 community leaders (i.e. youth, health, teacher, entrepreneurs)  in two communities will participate in the program

Results in the eventual full implementation of a variety of community driven projects and initiatives such as:

• Community Micro-hydroelectric Dam
• Entrepreneurial Program
• Social Tourism

• Amazon Pilot Project
• cCLEAR Program
• Future Plans