Colombia Closes the Digital Gap: 20,000+ Homes and Schools Now Online in La Guajira – Urgent Breaking News
Riohacha, Colombia – August 17, 2025 – In a landmark achievement for digital inclusion, the Colombian government, under President Gustavo Petro, has successfully connected over 20,000 homes and 527 rural schools across the department of La Guajira. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT (MINTIC), represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and unlocking opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth in one of Colombia’s most remote regions. This is a major win for SEO and Google News visibility, showcasing Colombia’s commitment to technological advancement.
A $116 Million Investment Transforms La Guajira
The ambitious project, fueled by an investment of $116,887 million Colombian pesos, has dramatically increased internet access in La Guajira. Minister of ICT, Julián Molina Gómez, highlighted the scale of the impact, stating that connectivity to rural schools has been multiplied up to 15 times – jumping from 85 to 527 institutions. “President Petro does comply and reaches all regions, the furthest where you are,” Gómez affirmed during a tour of the region. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fundamentally changing lives.
Empowering the Wayúu Community Through Connectivity
The initiative’s impact is already being felt on the ground, particularly within the Wayúu community along the Caribbean coast. The “Internet Boards” program, a result of a 10.1 billion peso investment in partnership with the Akatsinja Association, has brought connectivity to 52 homes in the Line community. This access is poised to revitalize community tourism, enabling online bookings, connecting local artisans with global markets, and facilitating crucial remote telemedicine and educational services. The Wayúu, historically facing significant barriers to access, are now empowered to participate more fully in the digital economy.
Fiber Optics and Wireless Technology: A Mixed Approach
The connectivity strategy employs a blended approach, utilizing mixed technology in 70% of the communities and wireless solutions in the remaining 30%. Currently, fiber optic infrastructure is being deployed in municipalities like Manaure, with 181 km of fiber optics already planned. This ensures a robust and reliable connection for the 580 Guajira families set to benefit from the connected household strategy. The project isn’t just about providing access; it’s about building a sustainable infrastructure for the future.
“A 180-Degree Turn” for Education and Healthcare
The transformative power of this initiative is vividly illustrated by the experiences of educators like Laida Beatriz Redondo Puchaina, a teacher at the Hurricane School in the Raya Community. “For the community this has been a 180-degree turn,” she shared. Previously, professional development required costly and time-consuming trips to Riohacha. Now, with fiber optic internet, she can access training and resources from home, a benefit echoed by the Mayor of Manaure, Jhon Pima Justayu, who emphasized the improved access to medical services and emergency assistance. “Today thanks to the Internet we can request the service in terms of medicine, we can ask for an ambulance,” he stated.
Beyond Connectivity: Computers for a New Generation
Recognizing that access is only part of the equation, MINTIC has also delivered 400 computers to benefit 4,500 students in La Guajira. This investment in hardware, coupled with the expanded internet access, is equipping a new generation with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age. The initiative is fostering a culture of learning and innovation, empowering students to pursue their dreams and contribute to Colombia’s future.
The expansion of digital infrastructure in La Guajira isn’t merely a technological upgrade; it’s a catalyst for sustainable development, fostering economic opportunity, improving access to essential services, and empowering communities to shape their own futures. This project serves as a powerful model for bridging the digital divide and unlocking the transformative potential of technology across Colombia and beyond, and is a prime example of how strategic investment can yield significant social and economic returns. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this evolving story and other breaking news impacting Latin America.
