Computers for a school in Tamil Nadu, Southern India, 1500 Euros

Lia Hoek is a Dutch woman who has been involved with the local people of Tamil Nadu for years and was in the area during the Tsunami. After the tsunami she went to the village of MGR Tittu to offer her help and started the project 'Tsunami with a face' for the local school. 

She explains the name of the project as follows: "I saw professional aid organizations on the spot: they would hang up a banner with the name of their organization, smooth down their clothes, make a video of the materials they handed over, then take down the banner and dust off their shoes. In brief, I felt there was no face. That is why I do it in a personal way and want to be there for the people."

Lia Hoek would like to acquire two computers for the school. This is a government school that receives 5000 Indian rupees (=100 euros) a year for educational materials. Needless to say you cannot purchase computers for that amount, and the parents need their money for the basic necessities of their families. The school was even closed after the tsunami due to lack of money. From her own pocket and donations of friends, Lia Hoek was able to offer the 65 pupils a basic package of school materials and two fans. (In the meantime the very involved village elders have seen to the provision of electricity). The school is running again in other words. And now Lia Hoek would like computers and 35 children's bicycles. She has found money for the bicycles by calling upon her friends again, but there are no funds for the computers. She needs about 1500 Euros for this, including the 100 Euros needed to install a telephone connection. The village council has explicitly promised to pay the monthly cost of the telephone and internet connection and any necessary repairs for the computers, which can be done in the nearby town of Chidambaram (45 minutes by bus) by qualified computer experts. 

The computers will be a great contribution to the quality of education at this school and encourage the children perhaps to see their future outside of fishing. The computers are a luxury, moreover, that might convince the parents of the last children in the village who do not go to school to send them after all. 
Lia Hoek says: "I will work with the children myself for two months, in October and November 2006, to teach them computer skills. In the village of 638 inhabitants there is one man who is a a qualified computer expert who has offered his help. The teacher is also very enthusiastic in helping the children; he is 27 years old, lives in the village and is busy day and night for the children. He sleeps in the school because his home is 4 hours away, whereby he is the "guard" of the school whose walls are riddled with holes. Most likely I will also teach a number of adults how to use a computer (Internet); that will offer the village various sources of information."

Cost of two computers and related expenses: 1500 Euros 

Total € 1500,-- 

adopted by the general fund of Moments of Joy

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