Community Digital Hub Launched in Santa Elena Village

A new chapter in community development has begun for Santa Elena Village in the Toledo District, as residents gathered for the inaugural ceremony of a Community Digital Hub.  The hub, housed in the community library, is a facility designed to empower communities through clean energy, digital access, and sustainable innovation.  The initiative reflects a growing national commitment to bridging the digital divide and delivering sustainable solutions to rural and underserved communities across Belize.  Area Representative and Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government, Oscar Requena, addressed those gathered and spoke to the significance of the project for the Toledo District and communities like Santa Elena.

Also lending his voice to the occasion was Michael Lund, UNDP Resident Representative in Belize, who highlighted the strength of the partnership between the UNDP and the Government of Belize in driving this initiative forward.

The inauguration was also attended by UNICEF Country Representative Sajid Ali, CEO of the Ministry of Rural Transformation Valentino Shal, Santa Elena Alcalde Marcelliano Choc, Village Council Chairman Edam Cal, as well as students and villagers who will be among the first to benefit from the Hub’s resources.  The Hub was established under the Driving NDC Progress through Solar Energy and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene or (WASH) Innovations project, completed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government.