Putting big opportunities in small hands: customized laptops to open doors to
education
One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Canada to deliver high tech, culturally relevant learning
to Aboriginal youth in Canada
OTTAWA, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - The Belinda Stronach Foundation today announced it will distribute up to 5,000 laptops to children aged six to twelve in Aboriginal communities across Canada. With support from Vale, BMO Financial Group and the Government of Ontario, the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Canada program leverages leading-edge technology combined with culturally relevant programming to deliver a unique platform of learning tools to Aboriginal children.
"I believe strongly in combining the power of technology and education and investing in our young people," said Belinda Stronach. "One Laptop Per Child Canada is about just that. Aboriginal kids should have the same opportunities as every other child in Canada - and we're delighted to launch OLPC with our partners and welcome others to the table."
"We at Vale are proud to support the One Laptop Per Child Program," said Tito Martins, President and CEO, Nickel Business, Vale. "This program unlocks opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians and aligns with our commitment to care for the communities in which we operate by improving access to quality education. Vale is honoured to be part of a Program that has proven successful around the world, and we are proud to invest in the future of Canada and Canadians in this innovative and effective way."
The OLPC Canada initiative is modeled after the internationally successful One Laptop Per Child Program currently in place in more than 30 countries. This first of its kind program in Canada was designed in collaboration with Aboriginal students, education specialists and program experts from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), ParticipACTION, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ekomini and Safe Kids Canada. This collaboration resulted in the development of eight customized programs.
"I am delighted to partner with One Laptop Per Child on this important initiative," said The Honourable Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "This pilot project will open new windows of opportunity and provide new educational pathways for Aboriginal students."
Although Aboriginal youth are the fastest growth segment within the Canadian population, many lack the resources necessary to realize their full potential. OLPC Canada provides a concrete, technology-based solution to reducing the education gap and effecting positive change within the lives of Aboriginal youth in Canada.
Central to the pilot program is the suite of eight customized programs tailored specifically to the needs of Aboriginal children. With the inclusion of this customized suite of programs, the initiative will encourage youth to explore new and existing subjects in a creative way that is tailored to their unique history and cultural perspective. Each XO laptop is equipped with the customized educational software as well as more than 30 other programs developed by OLPC, and wireless capability, designed to improve the recipient's connectivity to the world at large and allow for community-building within the students' own networks.
Customized programming includes:
Owl Vision - Literacy
The Meeting Place - Mental Health, Substance Use and Well-Being
Swift Feet - Physical Fitness
Ekominiville - Financial Literacy
Healthy Heart - Food and Nutrition
Drum Beats - Science of Sound
Future Generation - Virtual Library
Calm Waters - Water Safety
All programs are interactive, narrated and are designed to advance a child's interest in learning. The programs were developed with content experts to provide children with access to educational tools and information at all times - wherever they go. Designed to encourage teachers to be as creative and innovative in their teachings as they would like, OLPC Canada hopes to support the work of teachers in and out of the classroom.
About The Belinda Stronach Foundation
The Belinda Stronach Foundation is committed to advancing human potential and achievement through individual empowerment and social change. For more information please visit www.tbsf.ca
About One Laptop Per Child
One Laptop Per Child's mission is to create educational opportunities for the world's poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. Visit http://laptop.org for more information.
Information about partners and a list of schools participating in the pilot is available at www.OLPCCanada.com
For further information:
interview requests and available video footage requests, please contact:
Melissa Branco
Veritas Communications
T: 416-955-4574
C: 647-205-4744
[email protected]
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