Companies bring computer literacy to children in villages

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 06/24/2009 11:13 PM  |  National

Two giant companies join an effort to educate children in the country in a project that will bring computer literacy to children and teachers in villages across Indonesia.

Acer Indonesia and Microsoft Indonesia partner up with non-profit organization Books for Hope to launch Wednesday a joint project that provide schools in villages with laptops and an interactive application  that will enable multiple students to work on one
computer at once.

Books for Hope Founder Grace Sai said with this project, students in remote areas will be able to enjoy the same technology that students in schools in big cities enjoy.

"Not all schools can afford one computer for one student and there are many that can't even afford to provide one computer for the whole school," Microsoft Business Development Manager Bonnie Mamanua said.

A pilot project will commence in July in a vocational high school in Cirebon.

"We chose the school because the teachers there are ready and committed (to be a part of this project), and they have the will to improve the quality of education for their students," Grace said.

If the pilot project proved to be successful, the second phase of the project will see eight more schools in Padang, Bali, Yogyakarta and other cities receive the same facilities.

"We are seeking opportunity to provide the technology to more schools nationwide," Bonnie said. (adh)
 

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