Media Release - 29 August 2008 -
InternetNZ (the Internet Society of New Zealand Inc) congratulates the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative for
donating 500 low-cost laptop computers to the South Pacific island
nation of Niue. It is part of a larger initiative in the Pacific and to
developing countries globally.
This will provide a computer to every primary and secondary school age
child and teacher on Niue, where there is already extensive free
wireless access.
InternetNZ executive director Keith Davidson says the computers are also
capable of mesh wireless networking, where they find each other and
establish their own networks. This may in effect extend Niue's wireless
network.
"These will be a valuable educational tool for the children of Niue.
OLPC are helping to bridge the digital divide and bring the Internet to
everyone."
The laptops use the open source Linux operating system, include built in
software, and can be recharged manually.
ends