We will initially work with 30 thought and action leaders (including health care workers, teachers, youth, entrepreneurs, and women’s groups) in the Brazilian Amazonian communities of Suruacá, Maguary and Jamaraqua, where CEN already has a great deal of experience, and two of which already have ICT access.

Phase 1 focuses on developing “soft” skills, including leadership, critical thinking, management, problem-solving, and evaluation, as well as building confidence. To do this, we will develop a toolkit consisting of a set of activities and tools, such as traditional and computer-based training, Project-Based Learning (PBL), workshops, and regular interaction between communities, using electronic tools and personal exchanges.  More about our Approach to Development.

During this phase, most projects will be small in scope, with the goal of developing participants’ confidence, as well as encouraging them to internalize and apply what they learn.

CEN is partnering with Link Social, a Brazilian-registered non-profit based in Rio de Janeiro, to implement the cCLEAR pilot project. Link Social's mission is to transform the economies and culture of rural communities. Angela Viemayer, Link Social's Program Director,

The pilot for Phase 1 began in May 2008 and will continue through October 2009 in Suruacá and until December 2009 in Maguary and Jamaraquá. The objectives for the Phase 1 of the cCLEAR Program Pilot are:

• Develop and implement a cost-effective and replicable program:
  • That fosters a culture of learning and empowerment and provides skills which participants can successfully and sustainably apply to a broad range of community-development priorities
  • Becomes a solid, replicable platform for our subsequent activities in these and future communities
• Builds the skills of 10-15 community leaders (youth, health, teachers, and entrepreneurs) in two communities by mentoring them on a variety of personal income generation projects
• Result in the eventual full implementation of a variety of community-driven projects and initiatives,such as:
  • Community Micro-Hydroelectric Dam
  • Rubber Products
  • Social Tourism

Please see our project proposal for more details on the first phase of the cCLEAR program.

Related Resources

cCLEAR Project Proposal (147K)(pdf)
cCLEAR Participant Profiles
Accomplishments
CLEAR Phase 1 Pilot Wraps Up in Suruacá