One Laptop Goes a Long Way
Nov 15th, 2007 by msdanielle
I mean this figuratively and literally. One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) has created a program to help supply wireless laptops to children in underdeveloped and third world countries to help increase their education and learning.
Mission Statement
The OLPC Foundation’s mission is to stimulate local grassroots initiatives designed to enhance and sustain over time the effectiveness of laptops as learning tools for children living in lesser-developed countries.
From now until November 26 you can help OLPC achieve their initial efforts of getting these computers to children who can benefit from them by contributing now. Their current Give One Get One program comprises of purchasing two laptops, one for a child in a developing nation, and one for a child in your life. The cost is $399. Of that cost, $200 is tax-deductible, and T-Mobile has also teamed up with OLPC to provide free wireless access for one year to individuals who contribute to the program. That in itself is almost worth the value of your donation!
If You Can, Give
When I was very young, I remember telling my mother that when I grow up, I’m going to be rich so I can help those less fortunate. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to find ways to help people that are either less fortunate or in situations where they need a boost to get out. I suppose that’s why I studied Sociology and wanted to become a Clinical Social Worker in college.
This is why I feel compelled to support OLPC in their efforts, not only for one child, but for two. I’ve just completed my donation, and I have plans for what I’m going to do with the second laptop, but I can’t announce it just yet. It involves papers and signatures and stuff 
If you can, please give to OLPC. You can help a child learn, create, and expand his/her vision of the future. This has been a PSA by your friend MsDanielle.
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I was at a conference a few weeks back where there was a presentation on this from a developer who is working on the project… some really interesting technology going into these… interesting interface and ways of collaborative working… quite unique in many respects…
The keyboards are only for small fingers tho… may limit your options as to disposal of your second machine… do you actually have one of these yet???
i just purchased them today so I’m unsure when they’ll arrive. yea i saw a picture of a man using the thing and it looked like a little toy!
if i were to give it away, or something like that, i’m sure that the person who gets it would be able to find a child to give it to. there are lots of kids in the world who would like it 
i’ve got a couple ideas lined up.
as for ppc, i’ve written such extensive pieces on setting up campaigns so i may have to formulate an article on management. the thought of that has my head spinning
Oh yeah, when you gonna do some PPC stuff, I need a tutorial
I love the idea of these machines and believe they may be important. I can’t afford the donation right now but if in the next year finance looks up I will definitely do such a thing. Do you know if you get to find out which child got your laptop?
The one thing that worries me is that the governments buying these laptops may well be corrupt and they may never reach the children. Also $188 can go a hell of a long way for feeding and clothing a family. Why can’t the governments just give these families $188 towards building renewable food supplies and clean running water.
Also how will these computers connect to wireless networks in such remote areas?
I look forward to seeing how it all works out and I will definitely keep my aim to give to such a cause in mind.
Thanks for the great post and I commend you very very much on your donation. You are a star.
i can’t wait to install Leopard on my new OLPC . . . . or maybe something else . . .
Good concept although I think the kids need an education first before they can use a laptop.
Excellent idea. I think the kids around the world will really appreciate this. Let’s just hope it gets the publicity and support it deserves.