The Computers for Schools and Communities project promotes the refurbishing of computers in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Objective
The project seeks to promote the implementation of Computers for Communities in the region by building on the bases of experience of such programs as Computers for Schools in Canada and Computers for Education in Colombia.
The development of computer refurbishing programs in Latin American and Caribbean countries is of great importance because:
- it is a potent tool for increasing digital literacy
- it promotes social inclusion
- it creates employment in underprivileged communities
Five pilot project proposals were financed between 2003-2007
Project funding was provided by the Organization of American States (OAS) with the support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Institute for Connectivity of the Americas (ICA/IDRC), and the Ministry of Industry of Canada (IC). Five pilot project proposals were approved for funding from the 26 total proposals that were received. The implementation of the project started in October 2006 in the following countries:
- El Salvador “Computers for my School”
- Guatemala “Technology for Education”
- Guyana “Computers for Guyanese Schools”
- Jamaica “Computers for mi communities”
- Paraguay “To the Rescue of Computers”
Results Achieved
El Salvador
– The Project “Computadoras para mi escuela” (Computers for My School), was presented by Educational Technology and the Technology Infrastructure and Communications Department of the Ministry of Education and is integrated into the National Education Plan.
Donated Comp. |
Refurbished Comp. |
Schools |
Students |
Teachers |
470 |
441 |
47 |
11,497 |
449 |
184 |
184 |
32 |
15,301 |
391 |
654 |
625 |
79 |
26,798 |
840 |
Guatemala
– Proposal presented by “Tecnología para Educar” (Technology for Education) a multisectoral alliance headed by the Ministry of Education and constituted by entities from the private and public sectors. Fundación Sergio A. Paiz Andrade (FunSEPA) is the executing organization and is in charged of the operation and management of the refurbishing centre.
Donated Comp. |
Refurbished Comp. |
Schools |
Students |
Teachers |
998 |
835 |
51 |
16,830 |
467 |
884 |
786 |
33 |
10,890 |
370 |
1882 |
1621 |
84 |
27,720 |
837 |
Guyana
– Project “Computers for Schools Guyana,” presented by the Ministry of Education
Donated Comp. |
Refurbished Comp. |
Comp. in Schools |
Students |
Schools |
Teachers |
120 |
30 |
90 |
600 |
12 |
175 |
278 |
105 |
278 |
1700 |
34 |
70 |
398 |
135 |
368 |
2300 |
46 |
250 |
Jamaica
– “Computers for Communities Pilot Project” presented by the Youth Division of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture.
Students Trained |
Students Certified |
Participants |
50 |
43 |
50 |
Paraguay
– “Al rescate de computadoras" (To the Rescue of Computers) Project presented by the Centre for Technology Innovation (CITEC-FIUNA) and the Foundation for the Development of Engineering of the National University of Asuncion (FUNDAINGE).
Donated Comp. |
Refurbished Comp. |
Comp. in Schools |
Schools |
Teachers |
442 |
60 |
10 |
1 |
80 |
85 |
170 |
154 |
15 |
80 |
527 |
230 |
164 |
16 |
80 |
These countries successfully planned the establishment of computer refurbishing centers, obtained necessary initial funding, and began the implementation of their programs, thereby achieving a significant impact in the reduction of the digital divide.
For more information, visit the project portal: www.cpc-cfc.net/.
What is the status of the project?
The project took place over a period of three years (November 2004 – December 2007). As a continuation of the project, and using the remaining funds, over the past several months efforts have been made to apply the project to Haiti. After extensive evaluations, the Espoir Foundation has been selected to be the local partner in the country, as this group is specialized in the area of sustainable development.
If you have any comments or requests, please contact Zakarias ElGoumiri, Project Coordinator
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