eTrike: Pinoy public service in the 21st century
Posted by Scout on January 23, 2009
I just wanted to share with you a report I first saw on GMAnews.tv. It was about an innovative project for enriching students’ computer education. We all know how under-funded and ill-equipped our public schools are. Well, five young scholars from Manila decided to do something about it. They’re giving back to the community by piloting a roving low-cost, hi-tech educational facility, in order to help increase computer literacy among under-privileged students. Here are parts of their press release:
“The eTrike is a fully selfcontained mobile, wireless telecentre which travels into urban communities in Manila and provides youth with access to participate in new digital ICT technologies, basic computer lessons using multimedia CD-ROM’s and live internet lessons. The eTrike mobile unit carries 3 laptop computers, a mobile cell phone repair unit, 1 digital camera, 3 cell phones and a printer. The Internet is provided via a wireless connection and electricity is provided from an onboard generator. The power source actually will have to be sourced from the school’s AC.
“Schools are contacted by the Mobile Telecenters team to schedule a training which is carried out the on-campus usually lasting a full day. Charging institutions a small fee for the training service the eTrikes are also sustainable as they offer a variety of paid services such as cell phone repairs, SMS services, internet access, recharge services and more.
“Christine Lopez (team leader) said “We envision, that through onsite training our student recipients will become competent and literate in the job and business opportunities which ICT’s represent. Our vision is to help empower Filipino youth to become independent and productive citizens of the Philippines.”
I’ve looked up their site at MobileTelecenter.com and they seem to be a very well-organized group. It’s a great idea and I’m wishing them the best. Hopefully, I’m be able to create similar computer literacy programs in the future, but in the provinces this time, starting with my hometown.
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