Community Empowerment Network

The Community Empowerment Network (CEN) is a US-based non-profit organization which empowers rural communities and individuals in developing countries to harness information and information technology to become more self-reliant and break out of poverty. CEN provides computers and computer skills along with mentoring individuals and communities to develop knowledge, skills, the mindset and networks necessary to successfully address (drive) their development priorities (improve their lives or, improve their living conditions, maintain a vibrant culture and preserve their environment).

CEN promotes these activities and assists with entrepreneurial development and income-generation initiatives. It is currently applying its methodology to several small communities in the Brazilian Amazon, which has resulted in the communities’ increased confidence and ability to drive and execute their development initiatives. CEN is helping to create more vibrant and independent communities.

CEN was founded by Robert Bortner in November 2004. Between 2002 and June 2004, Robert was managing the USAID-funded Rio Tapajós (Brazil) Telecenter Installation Project, which installed solar powered community operated telecenters in the communities of Suruacá and Maguari. After completion of this project, Bob continued to work with these communities and with the community of Xixuau, located approximately 500 km north of Manaus along the Rio Jauaperi, and he mentored key activists in the communities. Encouraged by their significant progress in addressing community challenges and becoming more independent, Bob launched CEN and continued this work as the Amazon Pilot Project. In April 2008 CEN began the implementation of the Creating a Culture of Learning and Empowerment in the Amazon (cCLEAR) Project. Angela Viehmayer, Director at Brazilian NGO ( Link Social) and serving on the CEN board, is the Field Manager for the project to add a sustained presence to the communities.

CEN is working on a pilot project consisting of three communities in the Brazilian Amazon. In two communities located along the upper Tapajós River, it helped manage the installation of solar-powered, internet-connected telecenters, which was completed by mid-2004 The InfoCentro Comunitário contains information that is closely tailored to the specific health, education, civics and entrepreneurial needs and skills of the communities. The third community, located 500 km north of Manaus along the Roraima state border, already had computers and Internet access. CEN is now working with the three communities to use this infrastructure to become more autonomous.

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