Bridging the digital divide in Rivers State, Nigeria: A milestone of community connectivity.
We are delighted to share an exciting milestone in our mission to connect the unconnected. Through a collaborative effort with Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI), we have successfully brought high speed internet access to several communities in Rivers State, Nigeria, namely Kenule Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic (formerly Rivers State Polytechnic), Notem Community, Bori, and Khana Lea.
This project is not just about connectivity, it is about empowering people, unlocking opportunities, and transforming lives.
A Ground up approach to connectivity
Our approach is rooted in community ownership and participation. From the very beginning, local residents were actively involved in the installation and setup process. Members of the Notem community and surrounding areas gathered enthusiastically to learn, assist, and contribute to bringing internet access to their homes, institutions, and businesses.
Benefits:
Access to Education: Students at Kenule Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic now have digital access to global learning resources, online courses, and research tools that were previously out of reach.
Healthcare Support: With connectivity in place, healthcare professionals and community members can access vital telehealth resources, medical information, and emergency services.
Economic Empowerment: Entrepreneurs and small businesses can now engage with the digital economy, expanding their market reach, building digital skills, and increasing household income.
Why this matters?
For too long, these communities have been on the wrong side of the digital divide. Lack of internet infrastructure has not only stifled growth but also excluded people from the world of opportunities that connectivity brings. Through this initiative, we are changing that narrative.
With support from MAJI and the dedication of local volunteers, we have been able to install and activate satellite internet powered by Starlink. The solution includes:
High speed, low latency broadband connection.
Management and monitoring software for network sustainability.
Training for local community leaders to manage the network and support others.
Whats Next?
This project is part of our larger mission to connect one billion people to the internet. We are scaling our work across low and middle income communities, focusing on education, gender equity, and economic inclusion.
Our work in Rivers State is a model for what is possible when local communities, grassroots organisations, and global technology partners come together.
If you would like to support more projects like this or bring connectivity to your own community, visit our ordering page to explore available packages: https://unconnected.org/connected-packages
Together, we can build a more inclusive, digitally connected future for all.
