THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has budgeted US$572,200 (approximately $3.89 million) for a three-year project focused on enhancing digital inclusion for individuals living with disabilities, rural communities, and the elderly in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Funded by the Japan Special Fund and supported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the project is set to deploy digital tools, curricula, and capabilities that bridge the digital divide. This effort is crucial as it aligns with Trinidad and Tobago’s national digital transformation strategy to ensure equitable digital access and improve service provision across all segments of society,” the IDB stated in a release yesterday.
The IDB said it will work with the Ministry of Digital Transformation to implement the project.
It stated that the partnership will ensure a strategic approach that leverages international best practices and aligns with national and international development goals.
The IDB added that the objectives of the project are to enhance digital agency for persons living with disabilities by developing innovative approaches that improve digital accessibility and engagement.
It said initiatives include mapping digital inclusion gaps, conducting stakeholder consultations, and implementing pilot projects to improve digital interaction for persons living with disabilities.
The project also aims to boost digital participation in rural areas to enhance both societal and economic involvement of these communities.
It stated that activities will focus on developing state capacity to deliver inclusive digital services that promote social and economic development in rural areas.
Additionally, the project will support the elderly in digital adoption by building capacity within public agencies, thereby enhancing digital service uptake among older adults.
It added that activities will focus on assessing and improving digital service usability and user experience for the elderly.
The IDB said the project aims to create a comprehensive policy and operational platform that fosters collaborative, data-driven state actions.
It also seeks to integrate vulnerable communities into the digital world, develop innovative, locally tailored solutions for socio-environmental challenges, and enhance digital resilience and integration for beneficiaries including persons living with disabilities, farmers, rural residents, the elderly, and public sector officers.