Magis Americas

Advancing Education and Job Training in Latin America and the Caribbean

Mobile Computer Labs for Rural Schools: Pilot Study

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Impact

  • Rural teachers trained in computer education
  • Students in isolated communities receiving a high standard of IT education
  • Community members using the labs as tools for economic and social advancement
  • People in poor, rural communities connected to the outside world

Background Information

Out of all of Fe y Alegría's schools in 16 countries, only 15% have computers, and even fewer are connected to the internet. Many schools that do have computers are using old, outdated models that were donated years ago. The Fe y Alegría schools struggle to make do without, using typewriters to teach typing skills and appealing to corporations for donations.

The International Federation has made technology a priority, as they realize that their students must be technologically literate to truly move up in society. They are turning more of their attention to equipping more schools with computers, connecting them to the internet, and training their teachers to use them and teach them effectively.

Project Description

Implementing computer labs is easiest in urban schools, and the Federation has up until now focused there. Rural schools have been left somewhat behind, however, and IFFyA has determined to improve computer coverage in rural areas. Because of the challenges of construction and electrical installations, IFFyA realized that it is easier to install mobile computer labs, using laptop computers, in these rural schools.

Currently IFFyA is seeking funding for an international initiative to try creating 20 mobile computer labs for rural schools in selected countries, train teachers to use them, educate their students, and open up the centers for use by community members. To keep costs low, Intel's Classmate PC laptops, designed as an inexpensive educational computer for developing countries, will be purchased. Over the next three years, these computer labs will bring technological literacy to thousands of people in poor, isolated communities, simultaneously connecting them to the outside world through the Internet and teaching them skills that will help them secure good jobs.

Cost of the Project

$140,000Cost of each laptop (20 per lab)
$80,000Auxiliary expenses for each computer (Internet connection for 3 years, furniture, etc.)
$10,000To train each teacher over three years (20 teachers)
$230,000TOTAL


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If you would like to sponsor this entire project please contact F. Albert DiUlio, S.J. at info@magisamericas.org

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