Hewlett Packard to support digital schools

The renowned HP group will equip each of the schools' computer lab with 10 computers, 10 printers and cameras. The long term project will be the roll out of internet facilities to the selected schools.

The four schools to receive the equipment are Matiku Secondary school in Emali, Olooloamutia in Masai Mara Game Reserve, Esupetiai Primary in Narok and Matoi Secondary school in Kajiado district all in far flung areas out of Nairobi.

While HP is involved in the technical part of the digital schools project, the US-based Build African Schools will construct classrooms. Due to lack of electricity infrastructure in some of the schools, the companies have agreed to make use of solar energy to power the computers.

During the launch, the representatives of HP and the US-based non-governmental Organisation, Ken Mbwaya (HP) and Patrick O'Sullivan of Build African Schools expressed commitment in spearheading the digital schools' project.

On his part, Mbwaya reaffirmed his company's commitment in connecting the selected schools to the internet for one year, adding that the initiative would go a long way to ensure that the schools are networked with 50 other schools on HP's Digital Schools programme overseas.

"We are proud to note that Kenyan rural schools would now be recognised in the globe once they start networking with their counterparts in overseas destinations," said Mbwaya.

O'Sullivan said his NGO's initiative is in line with the Kenya government's free primary education programme that ensures that all children of school-going age are enrolled in schools.

O'Sullivan also envisages a total of 1,650 children getting a chance to study in 33 classrooms, once the project is complete. Hewlett Packard objective is geared towards technology access to all school goers, as a means to learn and a tool for daily use.

The HP group was founded in 1939 and has since grown to be a global leader in the information technology sector. Among other things, HP deals in the provision of office equipment, consumer electronics, IT and network solutions.

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