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PCs for Kids project being considered by Council

Families in receipt of the Education Maintenance Allowance may be able to purchase an Internet ready PC for as little as $250 from Latrobe City

By Latrobe City Council - 14th May 2001 - Back to News

Families in receipt of the Education Maintenance Allowance may be able to purchase an Internet ready PC for as little as $250 from Latrobe City, if Council adopts a ‘PCs for Kids’ project in its 2001/2002 budget.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins said the plan to provide Internet ready PCs to children whose families could not otherwise afford them, had been referred to the 2001/2002 budget for consideration, after a report on the possible implementation of a ‘Kids On-line’ project was presented to Council.

Since February, Cr Lisa Proctor has been working with Latrobe City staff to evaluate a similar project to the one implemented by the East Gippsland Shire and develop the concept further, Cr Jenkins explained.

"Children in many families are disadvantaged by not having access to electronic information to further their education. In an age where computers are taken for granted by many of us, and a wealth of information is available on the Internet, a child living in a family which can’t afford a computer is severely handicapped. This program is certainly worthy of consideration," Cr Jenkins said.

Councillor Lisa Proctor said that the model undertaken by the East Gippsland Shire worked in conjunction with the organisation that facilitated the program – ‘PCs for Kids’.

"In East Gippsland Shire, PCs for Kids relies on donations of equipment which are incorporated with additional components into rebuilt units which are provided to Council at $250 per unit. The full cost is then passed on to the families that purchase the PC, with Council providing all the administrative support, such as application processing and checking, and delivery," Cr Proctor said.

"There are many options under consideration in Latrobe, such as establishing a local program using the resources of local organisations to donate obsolete equipment, storage, and technical expertise. It may also be possible for computer user groups to supply technical support, and make it a real community based and functioning project," Cr Proctor added.

"At this stage we’re keeping an open mind and continuing to evaluate the options. We would welcome input from businesses however, that may be able to offer resources that would complement this project," Cr Proctor concluded.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com



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