Community Digital Centre Inaugurated in Sylhet to Bridge the Digital Divide

25 January 2024 - In a significant step towards digital inclusion and empowerment, the inauguration of the Community Digital Centre took place on 22 January 2024 at Khoirabad Bazar, Usmanpur, Osmaninagar, Sylhet.

Situated in the rural area of Sylhet, residents, particularly the younger generation, face the challenge of making long journeys to fulfil their digital requirements. The Community Digital Centre is poised to become a hub for digital services catering to the local community's needs. With a focus on education, the centre will offer computer training for students and community members, enhancing digital literacy. Additionally, the centre will provide essential services like printing and assistance with job, passport, and birth certificate applications, making it a one-stop destination for various community needs. The centre will conduct awareness sessions on cyber safety tailored for children, youth, and caregivers. In an effort to improve healthcare accessibility, the centre will also provide telemedicine services, connecting the community with expert medical practitioners.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Honourable Mayor of Sylhet City Corporation, Md. Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, who served as the chief guest. From SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, National Director, Mohammad Ali, Director-ICT, Mohammad Yousuf Ali, Project Director of SOS Children’s Village Sylhet and other employees and volunteers were present at the event. Local elites, members of the press media, community members, and school teachers also attended the ceremony.

The Honorable Mayor, Md. Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, expressed his admiration for the initiative, praising the efforts to introduce digital services to a rural area. He extended his best wishes for the centre's success, recognising its potential to uplift the community. He also acknowledged the transformative leadership of the Bangladesh government, presenting the country as an exemplary model towards a Smart Bangladesh. He remarked, "Those who do great work reside in people's hearts, much like SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh is doing."

Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, emphasized the significant contribution of the initiative to the Smart Bangladesh program. In his speech, he urged individuals to engage in projects like the Community Digital Centre, emphasizing their positive impact on local communities and encouraging proactive involvement in developmental initiatives.

Mohammad Ali, the ICT Director of SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, outlined the centre's detailed activities and future plans to the audience. Despite offering various digital services, he highlighted the commitment to educating children, youth, and community members on cyber safety.

Shahidul Islam, a Family Strengthening programme participant, having successfully completed his HSC, shared,

"I aspire to be a freelancer in the future, and this digital centre is instrumental in guiding me towards achieving my dream."

As the centre begins its operations, equipped with updated laptops, classrooms, dedicated internet connections, computer trainers, and centre operators, it stands as a hope for bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth. The centre not only promises to provide essential services but also seeks to contribute to the skill development of the local youth.