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Bank Computer Donation Program Kicks Off

Permission to use information from http://web.worldbank.org

Viki Betancourt (right): “These computers have many good years ahead of them."

October 13, 2004 -- The World Bank has kicked off a Computer Donation Program that will see over 12,000 computers given to needy groups around the globe. The computers, from more than 100 Bank country offices, will be distributed over the next nine months to non-government organizations, community, and non-profit groups who are primarily involved in the areas of health care, education, social services, youth, and job training.

“The World Bank is happy to donate these computers to community organizations who will use them to provide individuals with better opportunities to thrive and do well” said Viki Betancourt, Manager of the Community Outreach at the World Bank.“These computers have many good years ahead of them, and it is hoped this technology will help people achieve their full potential” said Betancourt.

The computers will assist DC area kids in reading, math, and spelling skills.

The program was launched last week when two truckloads of computers and office supplies were handed over to community groups in Washington DC, including Horton’s Kids, the National Children’s Centre, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children. Over 1000 computers will be donated in the District of Columbia area. Patrick Gunnin, who represented the Boys and Girls Clubs, said “the donated computers will be used for a homework program; developing educational plans for kids that assist with reading, math, and spelling skills.”

The program was the brainchild of World Bank Senior Information Officer Charlie Schueller who approached the Bank’s Community Outreach Program about donating computers that were being replaced at the Bank. Gifts in Kind International was selected as a partner to coordinate the extensive task of distributing the donated computers. Each computer will be loaded with a new operating system as well as a program that can help users earn a Certificate of Teaching Mastery; the software is being donated by Teachers without Borders. In addition, it was decided that World Links, a well known Non-Government Organization will receive approximately 5,000 computers for use in their world-wide educational programs.

The World Bank’s partner in this program, Gifts In Kind International, is the world’s leading charity in the field of product philanthropy, it will handle global distribution of the computers.

Organizations interested in applying for computers are asked to visit http://www.giftsinkind.org/worldbank.asp or more information can be found at www.worldbank.org/dcoutreach.