OLPC donates 2,800 computers to school children

One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), a non-profit foundation, yesterday announced that it was donating 2,800 XO-Laptops to students as a message of hope in relation to the 20th commemoration of the Genocide against Tutsi. According to the statement sent to The New Times, an initial 260 latest generation XO-4 TOUCH laptops will arrive within the next few weeks, said that; “Although the ceremonies that will take place within the next few days will be conducted under a mourning environment, One Laptop Per Child will like not only to pay homage to those who died, but at the same time will like to recognise and honor the enormous process of rebuilding the nation during the past two decades. This progress and transformation has been done under the leadership of President Paul Kagame and of his government,” said Rodrigo Arboleda, CEO of OLPC. “Every time I come to the country I am amazed to witness the pace and degree of progress of this nation and of its people. It is like a new country each and every time. We are honored to have been allowed to contribute in our humble way with the largest project in Africa related to social equality and a transformation of a paradigm of education. We are proud of the progress made and of the enthusiasm and support all members of Rwanda’s society have blessed us with”. The schools that will benefit in the first phase include Lycee du Lac Muhazi, Groupe scolaire du Mont Kigali (Apace), Lycee de Kicukiro (APADE), St Ignace school , Mary Hill secondary school , Ecole Gira Imuwe. One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to provide every child in the world access to new channels of learning, sharing and self-expression. The project has been in Rwanda for over 8 years, partnering with the public and private sectors and non0-governmental organisations.