One of the outstanding features of GDLN in the Latin America and the Caribbean region is the extensive scope and impact that programs can achieve through national coverage. In the first phase of developing a GDLN in a country, a Distance Learning Center is established in a main city in partnership with a local institution. One key aspect considered in identifying the local institution is its capacity to provide the infrastructure and the technological platforms to increase the potential for national growth, under that institution’s leadership.

National GDLN networks in Latin America and the Caribbean are managed by the local institution sponsoring the DLC. They are defined by their infrastructure and the partnerships that make it possible for the Network’s distance learning activities to be received interactively by the country’s main DLC and to be disseminated to other cities throughout the country. The purpose of national networks is to meet GDLN’s mission of impacting development, sharing knowledge and learning programs with the development community.

National networks in Latin America have been instrumental in policy-making and meeting needs on a national level. GDLN Ecuador highlights the work of national networks by providing coverage to 22 cities, including the Galapagos Islands! The role of national networks in policy-making is outstanding in the case of GDLN Brazil, where strategic alliances with national organizations are enabling Brazil’s mayors to have a dialogue forum on development policies. National networks also enable immediate responses to national needs, such as GDLN in the Dominican Republic, which focuses the impact of its national network to respond to urgent health-sector issues affecting the Dominican people. GDLN LAC's natural partnership with universities has led to the emergence of national networks based on partnerships among national universities who come together under GDLN to address development topics in their countries. Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela have implemented this model and Bolivia and Peru are currently developing similar approaches in their respective countries. In addition, Internet 2 coverage in Latin America is expected to be finalized by 2005 which will allow for real expansion, improved quality, and reduced costs.

To learn more about national GDLN networks in Latin America and the Caribbean, please contact the DLC in the country that you are interested in.