Donation helps to bridge the digital divide

Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) hopes to contribute to increasing the computer literacy levels of young adults in Khayelitsha by donating a number of second-hand PCs to the Khayelitsha Centre (K2) of UCT's Students' Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO).

Key to success: The concentration is evident as the children practise their mouse skills on the PCs donated by SHAWCO.	PC fun: With some of the kids at the Khayelitsha centre are (back row, from left) Zanele Lupondo (SHAWCO), Lorna Mngxunya (SHAWCO), Eltena Dirks (SHAWCO) and (front) Nick Parsons (ICTS).

Nick Parsons, an ICTS helpdesk consultant, presented a proposal that he'd written to his manager, Willie du Plooy. In it, he proposed donating a number of second hand PCs to a group or charity. "I am passionate about IT and wanted to give others the chance to experience it, too," says Parsons.

The proposal was given a thumbs-up, so Parsons chomped through the necessary red tape by following the UCT Disposal policy recommendations. He then began discussions with Eltena Dirks from SHAWCO.

Together they arranged for the delivery and installation of 11 PCs, monitors and keyboards that will supplement those already available at the K2 Centre. The centre provides comprehensive tutoring, including IT instruction, to children from neighbouring junior and senior schools. The handover took place at the end of March, when excited children from the area were brought in to view the newly installed computers.