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WOMEN'S HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
IBLF's Digital Partnership has established a PC learning lab at WHEDCo, the New York South Bronx based Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation.
The learning lab was set up to teach computer skills to the participants of WHEDCo initiatives, which include job training, family day care, micro-enterprise development and after school programmes, in one of America's poorest neighbourhoods.
Digital Partnership established the lab in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank, ITExpeditors and Timberland, in line with its mission to bring affordable access to information communication and technology (ICT) for education and enterprise. It is the first IBLF Digital Partnership initiative to be set up in a poor community within a rich country.
Standard Chartered Bank donated 50 high quality, pre-used computers which were then fully refurbished by ITExpeditors, a company which captures the hidden value in obsolete IT equipment. The Timberland Company provided the time and talents of its IT department to set up and network the learning lab.
WHEDCo is dedicated to alleviating poverty by providing people with the tools and support they need to enter and succeed in the economic mainstream. At a time when the gap between rich and poor is greater than ever, WHEDCo narrows the divide by developing beautiful, award-winning housing and uniquely integrated programmes in the areas of childcare, education, job training, and small business development.
This project is an example of how IBLF can work with corporate partners and local organisations in developing countries to address the digital divide, putting pre-used ICT equipment to use for educational purposes.
The WHEDCo learning lab will play an important part in the efforts to provide effective support to vulnerable people, from single mothers to new immigrants, enabling them to succeed economically and to raise healthy children - it will offer a new partnership model relevant to technology access in poor communities pioneered by the Digital Partnership in Africa.
Speaking at a New York Gala to mark the initiative, IBLF CEO Robert Davies said, "Technology has the power to change lives through new skills and opportunities. The Digital Partnership model with WHEDCo can show how partnerships can make affordable access a reality in sustainable ways. IBLF is thrilled that its global technology partnership model has been adopted in the South Bronx where more companies and communities can witness the impact."
The learning lab was set up to teach computer skills to the participants of WHEDCo initiatives, which include job training, family day care, micro-enterprise development and after school programmes, in one of America's poorest neighbourhoods.
Digital Partnership established the lab in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank, ITExpeditors and Timberland, in line with its mission to bring affordable access to information communication and technology (ICT) for education and enterprise. It is the first IBLF Digital Partnership initiative to be set up in a poor community within a rich country.
Standard Chartered Bank donated 50 high quality, pre-used computers which were then fully refurbished by ITExpeditors, a company which captures the hidden value in obsolete IT equipment. The Timberland Company provided the time and talents of its IT department to set up and network the learning lab.
WHEDCo is dedicated to alleviating poverty by providing people with the tools and support they need to enter and succeed in the economic mainstream. At a time when the gap between rich and poor is greater than ever, WHEDCo narrows the divide by developing beautiful, award-winning housing and uniquely integrated programmes in the areas of childcare, education, job training, and small business development.
"Technology has the power to change lives through new skills and opportunities. The Digital Partnership model with WHEDCo
can show how partnerships can make affordable access a reality in sustainable ways"
Robert Davies, chief executive officer,
IBLF
Robert Davies, chief executive officer,
IBLF
This project is an example of how IBLF can work with corporate partners and local organisations in developing countries to address the digital divide, putting pre-used ICT equipment to use for educational purposes.
The WHEDCo learning lab will play an important part in the efforts to provide effective support to vulnerable people, from single mothers to new immigrants, enabling them to succeed economically and to raise healthy children - it will offer a new partnership model relevant to technology access in poor communities pioneered by the Digital Partnership in Africa.
Speaking at a New York Gala to mark the initiative, IBLF CEO Robert Davies said, "Technology has the power to change lives through new skills and opportunities. The Digital Partnership model with WHEDCo can show how partnerships can make affordable access a reality in sustainable ways. IBLF is thrilled that its global technology partnership model has been adopted in the South Bronx where more companies and communities can witness the impact."