North Vancouver resident Ivan Correa has an idea that he hopes will result in a cleaner environment for Canada and a better education for children in developing countries.
Correa is starting a project that involves donating used computers to rural schools, starting with those in his home country of Colombia. He says the initiative is a "win-win" situation that will help rid Canada of unnecessary e-waste and give children in poorer countries the technological skills needed to pursue higher education and secure future jobs.
Correa, who works as an immigration consultant, has lived in Canada for eight years and resided on the North Shore for the last three. He owns a 10-acre teak tree plantation just outside the city of Medellín, Colombia, which he visits several times per year. The plantation employs about 40 people, many of whom have children attending the nearby school.
On a trip this past January, Correa noticed
the school had just one computer for 60 students. So he decided to donate his own laptop, planting the seed for his recently created not-for-profit corporation, the Don Ivan Foundation.
"In Canada we change computers so often," Correa says, explaining the technology we consider slow or outdated is perceived differently by the children he met in Colombia. "For them, it's like brand new."
Established non-profit organizations, such as the World Computer Exchange, have been providing computers to youth in
developing countries for several years. But Correa says his initiative is unique because it focuses on schools in rural communities.
"In the rural areas there are poor people, poor municipalities and they don't have resources, money for things," he says. Also, being from South America, he says he knows where the greatest need exists in the region.
Currently, Correa is collecting portable computers in good working condition. Compared to desktop units, portable models are easier to transport and the recipient
schools can lock them up when they aren't in use, to avoid robberies.
Those wanting to donate a used computer should first wipe the hard drive. One of Correa's colleagues in Colombia has volunteered to install Spanish software on the donated laptops.
Correa his hoping to bring a few more computers to Colombia during his next trip, scheduled for May.
"At least I want to bring four computers," he says, adding hopefully, "If I collect 50, it would be great."
To donate, email [email protected].
