Many developing countries in Africa and Asia have low levels of internet usage, often times resulting from a lack of internet infrastructure. However, in places where the internet is available it is often prohibitively expensive for the average person to use. Unfortunately, this has led to a “digital divide” that has left these developing countries disconnected from the rest of the world. This has been particularly true for rural communities in developing countries who have the lowest rates of internet usage. The digital divide creates many problems for these communities as it keeps them underdeveloped. Many of these communities wish to lead their own development projects. However, their lack of connectivity leaves them unable to engage with development experts to obtain technical and financial assistance for their projects. This lack of connectivity can also thwart attempts at entrepreneurship, which can greatly reduce poverty.

These Hands is a social enterprise that was founded in 2015 to address the problems created by the digital divide. We aims to empower people in marginalized communities to start their own development and entrepreneurial activities. These Hands is a social network, which does not require internet access, that supports community-led development in impoverished countries. This social network serves economically marginalized communities and allows them to obtain business services and international development consulting services from experts, youth and students in our global network that are also seeking meaningful work. In addition, our platform provides them with an avenue to seek funding, mentorship, and other support for their development and entrepreneurial initiatives. Our platform allows those who do not have internet access to network with those who can provide them the support necessary to start their own development projects. We believe that access to these networks and services will help these communities to overcome the digital divide.