Thursday, March 02, 2006

US Donates Internet-Ready Computers To Zambo School

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Louie Rodaje / 02 Mar) Some 550 students from a local high school now have access to Internet after the United States donated 10 units of computers which now provide them with a pathway to the boundless world of cyberspace.

The computers link the Talisayan National High School to the World Wide Web through a satellite-based internet connection that allows the students to conduct research, create e-mail accounts and communicate with other students throughout the world.

On behalf of the US Government, Ambassador Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, turned over the computers to the school’s Parent-Teacher-Community Association (PTCA). The school also received computer software, a printer, e-books on computers and the Internet, and other resource materials.

Selected teachers will receive training in utilizing materials from the internet to enrich classroom instruction.

“The Internet connection is a gateway for students to take them beyond the borders of their community, even beyond their country, and to any destination in the world,” said Ambassador Hill.
He said that people with access to information and communications technology have real advantages when it comes to competing for educational and economic opportunities.

Hill was accompanied by Secy. Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process, US Chargé d'Affaires Paul Jones, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric John, USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, and USAID Economic Growth Advisor Robert Barnes.

Provided under USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, the computers are part of GEM’s Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) Program, which promotes computer literacy among students and teachers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and conflict-affected areas in the region.

USAID’s GEM Program is a five-year initiative that began in September 2002. It undertakes various projects to increase economic productivity, and to contribute to attaining lasting peace in Mindanao. GEM is being implemented under the oversight of Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo).

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