County Commissioners allocate money for internet access, computer literacy

County Commissioners allocate money for internet access, computer literacy  Roswell Daily Record

County Commissioners allocate money for internet access, computer literacy

County Commissioners allocate money for internet access, computer literacy

Chaves County Commissioners Approve Funding for Technology and Internet Access

The Chaves County Commissioners have approved the allocation of $50,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act to enhance technology and increase internet access in Roswell, Hagerman, Dexter, Lake Arthur, and Midway. This initiative, known as Project C-3PO, aims to improve connectivity and promote computer literacy in these communities. Project C-3PO stands for Creating Connected Communities to Provide Opportunities and is an initiative led by Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell (ENMU-R).

The Three Pillars of Project C-3PO

  • Education and Training
  • Increasing Computer Technology Awareness and Access
  • Providing Equipment and Support

Helen Wakefield, the director of the Project C-3PO grant, emphasized the importance of conducting surveys to identify specific community needs and determine the most effective training programs to bridge computer literacy gaps. ENMU-R offers courses to address these needs. By improving computer literacy and expanding access to technology, educational outcomes can be enhanced, potentially driving economic development in the area.

Project C-3PO was established last year with a grant of nearly $2 million from the Connecting Minorities program, a division of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Addressing the Needs of Spanish-Speaking Residents

Through surveys, it was discovered that over 50% of Spanish-speaking residents lacked access to computer equipment such as hotspots or laptops. Project C-3PO will specifically target students and community members by providing hotspots, laptops, and broadband internet service to bridge this digital divide.

Last year, Project C-3PO launched a hotline to assist community members with computer problems. The hotline, available to all residents, offers free technological assistance. To access this service, individuals can call 833-806-6432 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and on weekends from noon to midnight.

New Apparatus for Midway Volunteer Fire Department

The Chaves County Commissioners have also approved the purchase of a Skeeter Ford F550 Type 5 wildland apparatus vehicle for the Midway Volunteer Fire Department. The cost of the emergency vehicle is approximately $290,000, which will be funded through the fire excise tax and fire distribution fund. The vehicle is expected to be outfitted and delivered within two years.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 4: Quality Education

    • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
    • Indicator: Increase in computer literacy and access to technology among residents.
  2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

    • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
    • Indicator: Increase in internet access and technology use in Roswell, Hagerman, Dexter, Lake Arthur, and Midway.
  3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

    • Target 10.2: By 2030, 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: Increase in computer equipment access for Spanish-speaking residents.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 4: Quality Education Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. Increase in computer literacy and access to technology among residents.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020. Increase in internet access and technology use in Roswell, Hagerman, Dexter, Lake Arthur, and Midway.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Target 10.2: By 2030, 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. Increase in computer equipment access for Spanish-speaking residents.

Analysis

The article discusses the approval of spending $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act money to increase internet use and provide technology in Roswell, Hagerman, Dexter, Lake Arthur, and Midway. This initiative, known as Project C-3PO, aims to increase access to the internet and teach computer literacy. The project focuses on three pillars: education and training, increasing computer technology awareness and access, and providing equipment and support.

Based on this information, SDG 4: Quality Education is addressed as the project aims to improve computer literacy and access to technology among residents. Specifically, Target 4.4 is relevant, which aims to increase the number of individuals with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship. The article mentions that the project offers courses to fulfill this need and enhance educational outcomes.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure is also connected to the article’s content. Target 9.c focuses on increasing access to information and communications technology, including universal and affordable internet access. The project’s goal of increasing internet access and technology use in the mentioned communities aligns with this target.

Additionally, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities is relevant as the article highlights the need to increase computer equipment access for Spanish-speaking residents. Target 10.2 aims to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all individuals, irrespective of their status. The project’s efforts to provide hotspots, laptops, and broadband internet service specifically target Spanish-speaking residents who currently lack access to computer equipment.

The indicators mentioned in the article include an increase in computer literacy and access to technology among residents, an increase in internet access and technology use in the mentioned communities, and an increase in computer equipment access for Spanish-speaking residents. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: rdrnews.com

 

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