Generous I.T Injection to the Islands

14 May 2009
 
Generous I.T Injection to the Islands

Twenty computing students from Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) are investing in the future education of school children in Samoa.

The I.T volunteers are donating their time and expertise for a philanthropic operation gifting computers to more than ten schools in Samoa. Over 150 computers are being repaired and restored by the MIT students this Saturday 16 May at The Ark Warehouse in East Tamaki.

“This is the first charitable operation we have done of this size,” explains Brian Lawrence, CEO of Ark Computers. “It’s a lot of hardware and it’s the first time we have sent them this far afield.”

Brian Lawrence first approached MIT Computing lecturer, Hayan Nashi, last November, to enlist volunteers to develop strategies and carry out the mammoth task of refitting the computers for the use of schools in Samoa many of whom do not have any I.T equipment.

“I am encouraged by the generosity of the young MIT students who have been giving up their free time to support other students who have fewer resources,” says Mr Nashi.

Brian Lawrence has also enlisted the Peace Corps I.T specialists who will be responsible for distributing, installing and troubleshooting I.T support in Samoa for the schools when the computers arrive.

“Typically in the islands if things go wrong there often isn’t the support to keep the project going,” says Brian. “We are looking at making this a sustainable activity by looking at the whole cycle of experience for users in the islands and supporting them accordingly.”

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