Monday, 10 August, 2009
Catalpa International has completed the first phase of the Computers for Communities Project, a Timor Leste based program providing information technology hubs to rural villages.
The initial phase of the program has resulted in three communities in the Ermera District of Timor Leste receiving a total of 80 computers, as well as associated peripheals such as printers and scanners.
Catalpa International Executive Director, Anders Hofstee, noted: "Computer literacy is often taken for granted in the developed world. Providing developing communities with the skills and equipment to utilise information technology can have a tangible effects in a range of fields, particularly education and health."
The Computers for Communities Project offers local Timorese hands-on experience with personal computers, and courses ranging from word processing, web browsing, spreadsheet use and email. Local teachers facilitate the computer courses, and provide opportunities for students of all ages to gain vocational skills and training.
Rotary Kalamunda provided the funding and support for the first phase of the Computers for Communities project. Rotary President John Milton noted: "Rotary is proud to be supporting Catalpa International's work in Timor Leste".
The Computer for Classrooms project also provides the IT infrastructure for a number of other Catalpa International projects to be implemented in the coming months.
Mr Hofstee noted: "The Computer for Classrooms project compliments Catalpa International's Wireless Mesh Networking Program, the pilot program of which is to be completed in November 2009, linking together the Computer for Classrooms project sites."
Established in 2009, Catalpa International is an apolitical, not-for-profit development and research organisation dedicated to finding solutions to infrastructure and capacity constraining problems in developing and post-conflict societies.
For additional information, please contact Barry Patterson on 0418 948 336, or visit Catalpa International's website.