WB hands over computers to 3 educational institutions

During the ceremony, WB Country Director Christine Wallich stressed the linkages between development and technology.

She said, "Technology has an important role to play in poverty reduction. Technology keeps you informed and links you to the rest of the world."

Although this is a small step in bridging the digital divide, the WB hopes that the underprivileged children will get a better opportunity in enhancing their computer skills with the help of these computers, she added.

The organisations are Underprivileged Children's Education Programme (Ucep), Ganderia Kisholoy Kochi Kachar Mela (an organisation to promote cultural activities along with education to underprivileged children), and Corpus Christi High School of Madhupur in Tangail, (an institution that targets and provides education to children of the Garo ethnic community).

The computers will be used for enhancing IT skills among the youth in order to make them competitive in the labour market of Bangladesh.

Senior officials and students of the organisations were present at the ceremony.

On being asked how the computer would change their lives, Md Belal of Ucep commented, "I feel more confident now that I will not fall behind my other colleagues when I start working for an organisation."

Chiram, head teacher of Corpus Christi High School, said the computers will improve access of Garo children to modern technology and information and enhance their networking skills.

The power of Internet was seen first hand when the children opened individual e-mail accounts with assistance from WB staff.

The children wasted no time in exchanging e-mail among themselves and WB staff and created a 'network' of their own.

The programme was unique as it brought together technical computer specialists and deprived children who have had limited access to technology, the press release added.