Program that Helps Students Learn Reaches Milestone

More Nova Scotia students are learning with the help of technology because of the work of Computers for Schools.

So far, 80,000 refurbished computers are being used in schools, libraries and related institutions across the province, Halifax Fairview MLA Graham Steele announced today, Dec. 11, on behalf of Education Minister Ramona Jennex. The ceremony at the Computers for Schools office also recognized a pioneering volunteer Bernard Hart.

“The government of Canada congratulates the donors, partners and volunteers on all their hard work in achieving an important milestone in Nova Scotia,” said Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. “Through the Computers for Schools Program, young Canadians will benefit from greater access to information technology to help them prepare for the digital economy.”

Computers for Schools refurbishes and distributes more than 5,000 computers annually to public schools and another 1,000 to First Nations' schools, private schools, libraries, Literacy Nova Scotia and other non-profit organizations. It is funded by the province and Industry Canada, with support from the Nova Scotia School Boards Association and the private sector.

“More than half the computers in Nova Scotia schools come from the Computers for Schools program,” said Mr. Steele. “This means students and teachers can incorporate technology into their curriculum, which opens more learning opportunities and equips students for the jobs of the future.”

Computers for Schools collects desktops, laptops, printers, servers and other equipment from provincial and federal government offices, as well as from private-sector companies. The program re-uses or recycles all e-waste from the provincial recycling programs.

“The Nova Scotia School Boards Association is proud of its affiliation with Computers for Schools,” said Jamie Stevens, president of the association. "Part of our mandate is to provide cost-saving measures for school boards. This program not only helps to fulfill that mandate, but it ensures students in our province have access to the technology they need to receive the best education possible.”

Mr. Hart, board chair, was recognized at the event. One of the founders, he is leaving after 18 years with the program.

“We started Computers for Schools with one goal in mind, putting computers into the hands of Nova Scotia school children,” said Mr. Hart. “With the support of the federal and provincial governments, we've been able to move the program from early stages to one of the main suppliers of technology to schools, literacy groups and C@P sites across Nova Scotia.”

For more information about the Computers for Schools, visit trp.ednet.ns.ca/ .