Legazpi City – In a significant effort to bridge the digital divide and enhance educational opportunities for students, 22 elementary and high schools in Albay and Sorsogon will receive 15 laptop sets each, along with computer laboratories.
During the Memorandum of Understanding and Deed of Donation signing ceremony on Monday, December 4, at Rizal Integrated National School, Sorsogon City, Eduardo Jimenez, Corporate Relations Department head of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) Bac-Man expressed his gratitude to Litehaus International and emphasized the importance of investing in education.
“One of the best ways to leave a lasting impact on the world is by investing in our children’s education. We are thankful that Litehaus and Jack, their CEO, considered our request for assistance. We will be providing 15 units to each primary school hosting EDC and other nearby schools. This support will greatly benefit the students and improve their learning experience”, Jimenez stated.
The laptops and computer laboratories were donated by Litehaus, an international organization based in Australia, dedicated to repurposing and refurbishing electronic devices, in partnership with Energy Development Corporation (EDC). This partnership aims to promote digital literacy and provide valuable resources to schools in need.
The Department of Education in Sorsogon also extended their appreciation to the donors. Jose Doncillo, School Division Superintendent of Dep-Ed Sorsogon City Division, expressed optimism about the impact of these resources on the recipients’ academic outcomes.
He stated, “We believe that the future is digital, and no matter what resources are provided to the schools, it is crucial that the teachers are digitally ready and capable. We assure EDC and Litehaus that with this support in the form of laptops, we will enhance the students’ skills, especially those in senior high school, so they can utilize these skills after graduation.”
Jenelle Catubay, Executive Assistant of Litehaus International, explained that the donated laptops are refurbished. She shared, “In Australia, around 8000 tonnes of computers are discarded every second. Instead of letting these computers end up in landfills, we take them and refurbish them for schools. We ensure that all data is completely erased, and we provide certification of data removal to our donors. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide, and we have successfully supported several schools in Papua New Guinea, Australia, and now in the Philippines.”
In addition to providing laptops, Litehaus also offers an offline e-library which allows students to access educational resources without an internet connection.
How the Litehaus and the partnership started
Jack Growden, CEO of Litehaus, was inspired to start this initiative after witnessing the lack of computers during a student exchange program in Papua New Guinea in 2017. He personally donated his own laptop and promised to bring more upon his return to Australia. Litehaus has since partnered with various organizations to expand its reach and impact across Southeast Asia.
EDC, known for its long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, provides support not only in education but also in environmental and enterprise initiatives.
LiteHaus International established its first partnership in the Philippines with EDC, in collaboration with DXC Technology, to address digital poverty in the country. A total of 270 refurbished laptops were distributed to 18 schools in Kidapawan City, Cotabato from November 2022 to March 2023.
Litehaus executive assistant Jenelle, who herself was a scholar of EDC, shared her experience working with both organizations and highlighted the benefits they offer to learners.
Litehaus conducts thorough monitoring and evaluation for a period of six to twelve months after providing the resources.
Jenelle shares their recent visit to the 18 schools supported in Kidapawan City showcased the positive impact of their donations. Students reported a significant improvement in their ICT skills, with ratings increasing from 1 or zero to four. Teachers also acknowledged the laptops’ valuable contribution to their teaching methods, as demonstrated by the effective utilization of the devices during ICT classes. I Aireen Perol-Jaymalin
Photos: Bicolano Man