iEARN Sierra Leone Receives Computers
by Ramesh Negi
Today we take pride in saying that we are living in an
information technology (IT) era, with computers and high-speed
internet connection as our companions.
But how often do we pause to think about large sections of the
society, particularly the third world poor nations and
strife-torn regions, which do not have enough resources to own
a computer or impart computer education to the young generation?
Sierra Leone is one such area in West Africa, known more for the
ethnic clashes, thousands of deaths and atrocities on the
impoverished public. Upliftment of the underprivileged sector in
this region requires a helping hand from the empowered sections
of the society to complement the efforts of the present
government and international institutions.
iEARN Sierra Leone
French Students Brighten Lives Of Burundi Refugees
by Souraya Ahamada
Virginie Breton is a second-grade teacher in Saint Vincent du
Lorouër, a small town located in Western France. Her 19
students have been exchanging letters with students from La
Vision second-chance school in Bujumbura, Burundi since
September 2007.
She decided to join RESPECT's Letter
Exchange Program after Magali Pichon – whose first-grade
class is also involved in the program – encouraged her to
do so. Reluctant at first, Virginie accepted the challenge and
sent out a first batch of letters in October 2007.
The package included a letter written as a group, personal
profile sheets made by both classes, a written summary of a
recent tour of the Saint Vincent du Lorouër castle, pictures
drawn by the first graders, a poem based on the second
graders' first names, and maps of their classroom, the
school and the town along with pictures and a group photo of
Virginie's students.
The package reached La Vision school only in early
December because it was held in customs. And since it weighed
more than one kilo (about 2.2 pounds), around €6 EUR (about
$9.63 CAD or $9.34 USD) in custom duties were due.
Claudel Nkunda, the director of La Vision school, was
unable to pay those fees.
Burundi Refugees
