ABOUT US
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Our Mission
The fastest growing demographic in Canada, Aboriginal youth are creative, skilled and eager to learn. Over 75% of on-reserve students attend kindergarten or elementary school, where a lack of access to technology and connectivity is reported by more than 50% of schools (AFN, 2011). One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada works to bridge the digital divide for Aboriginal youth, providing students with the latest learning-centred technology, enhancing existing educational programming and empowering youth to play an active role in their own learning.
Impact
When an Aboriginal education program joins the OLPC Canada community, an investment is made in the education of Aboriginal youth through the provision of technology (XO laptops or XO tablets), professional development for educators and community engagement initiatives.
XO Laptops and tablets are distributed with programs and apps designed to provide Aboriginal youth with educational tools and information that will enhance their knowledge, skills and interest in the areas of language, fitness, food and nutrition, safety, sound and literacy literacy. Visit EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY for more information.
Presence
To date, OLPC Canada has provided XO laptops and tablets to more than 8,000 Aboriginal children in rural, remote and urban communities. The program is currently active in more than 40 sites (schools, community centres and a family shelter) located in 9 provinces and 2 territories.
More than 150 Aboriginal communities and educational programs have requested to join the OLPC Canada network. These requests represent an articulated need for technology for aproximately 16,000 Aboriginal youth. Each request is unique with rural, remote and urban First Nation, Metis and Inuit representation. It is our goal to service each of the youth on our wait list by 2017 - but we need your help. To add your community or education program to the list please review the FAQ
Information Package
Download our information package for an overview on the go.