In today's era of high technology and endless information, in a culture where cell phones, computers and the internet seem to infuse every corners of our lives, "79 percent of the people on our planet digitally are excluded," reveals Ashoka Fellow Rodrigo Baggio. Armed with the vision to empower low-income youth with computer skills, Baggio founded CDI: The Center for Digital Inclusion. Starting from one of the most dangerous, poverty-stricken communities of Brazil, Baggio and his team have spearheaded a technological and cultural transformation across 13 countries. Teens who were once headed for gangs and drugs have found new outlets for their energies: making videos about social issues. "I never thought I had a future in front of me," says Wanderson da Silva Skrock who, at fourteen, was dealing drugs. "I believe you can rescue someone, even from the very bottom," the now CDI teacher states.
