Bridgeing The Digital Divide

Barnardos New Zealand

Media release

28 August 2008

Alcatel-Lucent and Barnardos New Zealand partner to help bridge ‘digital divide’

Wellington, New Zealand, 28 August 2008 - Communications technology provider Alcatel-Lucent today launched a partnership with Barnardos New Zealand to provide local children and young people access to the latest communications technology.

This association is part of Alcatel-Lucent’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme across New Zealand and Australia.  It includes funding, access to the company’s technology, as well as opportunities for Alcatel-Lucent employees to participate in community projects.

The partnership was formalised by Steve Lowe, CEO, Alcatel-Lucent New Zealand, and Murray Edridge, CEO, Barnardos New Zealand.  To showcase Barnardos work and the opportunities to get involved, the company held meetings with its employees in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, where representatives from Barnardos discussed the organisation’s projects and presented several volunteer opportunities.  Several employees in each office volunteered to work with local Barnardos staff to identify and communicate volunteer opportunities to other employees  It is anticipated the first community activities will kick-off in early-mid October.

“We are excited to be embarking on this relationship with Alcatel-Lucent New Zealand,” said Edridge. “As our world becomes increasingly digital, providing technology skills for children is a great social and community investment.”

Barnardos provides a range of child and family services, and early childhood care and education in communities throughout New Zealand. Last year, the organisation assisted more than 10,000 children, young people and their families.

“We’re delighted to partner with Barnardos to help children access technology and resources that they otherwise would be unable to enjoy. By making learning fun and developing technology skills, we hope to support a brighter future for these young people,” said Alcatel-Lucent’s Lowe.

The New Zealand initiative builds on Alcatel-Lucent’s commitment as a leading provider of global communications solutions, to use its expertise and innovation to help achieve a more inclusive information society. 

ENDS

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