Building the capacities of ICT network managers in Indigenous and rural communities across Latin America.
The Latin American Regional Programme builds on more than a decade of collaboration among Indigenous organizations, community communication initiatives, and civil society organizations working to strengthen community-led communication and connectivity across the region.
Its origins trace back to Techio Comunitario, first implemented in Mexico between 2016 and 2019 following a collective participatory process launched in 2012. Since then, the programme has evolved into a regional initiative that supports community practitioners in designing, deploying, and sustaining communication and connectivity projects rooted in local realities, Indigenous knowledge systems, and territorial priorities.
Implemented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with REDES A.C., the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), and Rhizomatica, the programme continues to strengthen a regional network of practitioners committed to meaningful connectivity, technological autonomy, and peer learning.
From its origins in Mexico, the programme has progressively expanded to bring togetherparticipants, organizations, and Indigenous communities from across Latin America,strengthening a regional community of practice that continues to grow with each edition.
The in-person Bootcamp took place in Puebla, Mexico, from 17–26 March 2026, bringing together participants from across Latin America for ten days of practical, collaborative learning.
Participants strengthened their skills through technical workshops, specialization tracks, field-based activities, peer exchange, and the Third Forum on Telecommunications in Rural and Indigenous Areas.
The programme generates lasting impact beyond the training itself, strengthening both local initiatives and a growing regional community of practice.
An independent impact evaluation found that:
Graduates have gone on to:
• Deploy and strengthen community networks.
• Expand community radio and local communication initiatives.
• Develop renewable energy solutions for connectivity.
• Deliver local training processes.
• Strengthen Indigenous organizations.
• Build regional collaboration across Latin America.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• Redes por la Diversidad, Equidad y Sustentabilidad A.C. (REDES A.C.)
• Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
• Rhizomatica Communications
• Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla
• Radio Comunitaria Cholollan
• Telecomunicaciones Indígenas Comunitarias
• Radios Libres
• Colnodo
• Community media and grassroots organizations across the region
• Internet Society Foundation
• Digital Access Programme (FCDO, UK)
• Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
• World Association for Christian Communication (WACC)
Explore previous editions through videos, participant stories, and Bootcamp highlights.
