CONNECTION UBUNTU

Hi, my name is Vicki Poole, and I hope to inspire you with our organization and how it came to fruition. During my first visit to Kenya in 2009, I saw that the students there were in desperate need of computer skills. Each college and/or university required that students know how to operate a computer. Costs for college itself was such a challenge for the students and their families and I began to wonder how the expense of the required computer courses could be defrayed. Having some knowledge about laptops, I thought it might be feasible to ask for donations of laptops, both working or in need of repair. So, I collected these donations, made the necessary repairs to the laptops, and then hand-carried them, with the help of many others, to students in Kenya. The program was very successful and students were just so grateful for their gifts. While initially I was operating under another non-profit, I decided that it would be best to start a separate company that focused strictly on computer and technology. 

 

Colleges in Africa require that students know how to operate a computer so they must take a computer class prior to college to fulfill the requirement and pass the exam… this cost is $600 or more. Connection Ubuntu solves this problem by providing computer labs in rural Africa for a much more affordable cost: $15 for the class and $30 to sit for the exam.  Students gain knowledge of technology at minimal costs so that they can focus on the actual costs for their classes. Computers, tablets and smartphones are now regular household electronics here in the USA. For the students in Africa, they are truly lifelines to their future.

 

It is Connection Ubuntu's goal to start as many computer labs in Africa as possible. Our program has been very successful and students are just so grateful for the gift of technology thanks to your support!