The Community HUB project has been designed to address the work of bridging the digital divide while simultaneously facilitating social change. With this approach people (esp. young people) may be encouraged to learn to use technology, art and entrepreneurship for the goals of skill and employment enhancement, but they may also learn to make connections between their individual interests and their larger current societal and economic situations such that they can be motivated to contribute to positive change.

The Community HUB concept is modelled after social projects currently run by the Baycat and Manchester Bidwell Corporation in the United States of America. These social ventures target underserved communities, teaching real world practical skills and enterprise training in areas such as film and video production, to horticulture to culinary arts. Graduates from these schools are able to add significant value both to their employers and their communities. This opens up new business opportunities through expansion into previously underserved areas.

At our Community HUBs, youth will be provided with creative thinking tools through the arts, enterprise programming and technological support, to design and eventually help create an enhanced civic environment in which to live. Programs are being developed on the basis of observed and studied needs of youth and society within their own national and community contexts, and will be provided with stimulating material which will engage them in positive directions.

UNESCO has similarly reviewed our program and earmarked an October disbursement from their Global Environmental Fund. This program is a case of customized local implementation, based on a globally proven model.

The Community HUB pilot program was completed in August 2009. Graduate video can be viewed on the http://mycommunityhub.org

We thank you for your interest and support in making the Community HUB program a reality across the Caribbean.