Travel abroad opportunities for students that benefit children by providing access to computers
Adrienn Wiebe
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: News
Students are being presented the opportunity to travel outside the country to intern for the One Laptop per Child program.
OLPC's mission is to provide the world's most underprivileged children with low-cost, durable computers, called XO laptops. OLPC is offering internships to university students throughout America. Students will work closely with the governments of foreign countries to improve the quality of education available to children.
"The belief that all children have a right to quality education regardless of where they happen to live will spread across the globe," said Nicolas Negroponte, OLPC.
University students all over America, including Florida Gulf Coast University, are starting to take notice and get involved with the OLPC effort.
"I think it's a great program because underprivileged kids get access to tools that usually aren't obtainable to their demographic," said Sean Hearn, a junior majoring in management.
The internships require students to spend three to 12 months in one of the partnering countries. Every intern will receive a monthly stipend that has yet to be determined.
The country to which each intern is deployed is determined according to several different factors. The responsibilities of an intern vary based on country of deployment, the time in which the internship is taking place, and the individual skills of each intern.
"I've never interned for this specific program, but I think internships are a good experience that everyone should have," said Ryan Henyecz, an FGCU graduate.
Some students still need more convincing. "No way," said William Vanderslice, a junior majoring in criminal justice. "I don't have time for an internship like that right now."
Through the program, OLPC hopes to give every child access to education, offering hope for a better future.
The XO laptops can be manufactured at a total cost of $35. The portable computers are interconnected with each other. Ways to inexpensively connect the laptops to the Internet are being developed.
Designed specifically for the learning purposes of children, the XO includes innovative technology that allows it to run on a variety of power systems. The computer can be recharged using a solar panel that plugs directly into the charging port of the laptop.
Target countries include Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Mali, Nicaragua, Palestinian Occupied Territories, Peru, and Rwanda.
If interning doesn't interest you, there are several other ways to help. By donating $199, you can provide an underprivileged child with an XO laptop.
To apply for an internship, or to find out more information about the program,visit laptop.org
OLPC's mission is to provide the world's most underprivileged children with low-cost, durable computers, called XO laptops. OLPC is offering internships to university students throughout America. Students will work closely with the governments of foreign countries to improve the quality of education available to children.
"The belief that all children have a right to quality education regardless of where they happen to live will spread across the globe," said Nicolas Negroponte, OLPC.
University students all over America, including Florida Gulf Coast University, are starting to take notice and get involved with the OLPC effort.
"I think it's a great program because underprivileged kids get access to tools that usually aren't obtainable to their demographic," said Sean Hearn, a junior majoring in management.
The internships require students to spend three to 12 months in one of the partnering countries. Every intern will receive a monthly stipend that has yet to be determined.
The country to which each intern is deployed is determined according to several different factors. The responsibilities of an intern vary based on country of deployment, the time in which the internship is taking place, and the individual skills of each intern.
"I've never interned for this specific program, but I think internships are a good experience that everyone should have," said Ryan Henyecz, an FGCU graduate.
Some students still need more convincing. "No way," said William Vanderslice, a junior majoring in criminal justice. "I don't have time for an internship like that right now."
Through the program, OLPC hopes to give every child access to education, offering hope for a better future.
The XO laptops can be manufactured at a total cost of $35. The portable computers are interconnected with each other. Ways to inexpensively connect the laptops to the Internet are being developed.
Designed specifically for the learning purposes of children, the XO includes innovative technology that allows it to run on a variety of power systems. The computer can be recharged using a solar panel that plugs directly into the charging port of the laptop.
Target countries include Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Mali, Nicaragua, Palestinian Occupied Territories, Peru, and Rwanda.
If interning doesn't interest you, there are several other ways to help. By donating $199, you can provide an underprivileged child with an XO laptop.
To apply for an internship, or to find out more information about the program,visit laptop.org
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