Frequently Asked Questions
Would you like to know to access this program? Want to know how you can help? Please see the following frequently asked questions.
01
What is OLPC Canada?
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.
To date, OLPC Canada has provided more than 8,000 Aboriginal youth with XO laptops and XO tablets in rural, remote and urban communities across the country. 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.
02
why does OLPC Canada focus on Aboriginal education?
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 (Assembly of First Nations, 2012). One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada works to bridge the digital divide for Aboriginal youth by providing students with the latest learning-centred technology.
03
Is my community eligible?
OLPC Canada distributes laptops and tablets to Aboriginal youth through partner organizations, such as schools and community centres, where they are used to enhance existing educational programming. We are currently exploring opportunities to bring technology to additional Aboriginal youth across Canada. If you are inquiring about OLPC Canada on behalf Aboriginal youth who participates in an Aboriginal focused education program (formal or recreational such as through a community centre) please contact us at info@olpccanada.com and we would be happy to add your school or organization to our wait list.
04
Can I apply as an individual?
OLPC Canada provides technology to Aboriginal youth through pre-established education programs facilitated by schools and organizations. If you would like to obtain technology for Aboriginal youth participant in an Aboriginal focused education program please fill out the contact form or email info@olpccanada.com. We are unable to provide technology to individual applications at this time, however there are other organizations that provide technology to Canadians such as reBoot Canada.
05
How can I help provide Aboriginal youth with education technology?
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 15,000+ 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 2015 - but we need your help.
Individuals - Tax receipts are provided for donations for amounts over $25. To make a donation online please click here. To make a donation via cheque or telephone please contact us at info@olpccanada.com or (416) 642-5455. Thank you for your generosity!
Groups - Groups of caring individuals can significantly enhance access to technology for Aboriginal youth by sponsoring a community or Aboriginal organization. To date, OLPC has benefited from the generosity of Student Groups, Rotary Clubs and Foundations. For more information about how your group can make a difference, please contact please contact us at info@olpccanada.com or (416) 642-5455. We are happy to support your efforts!
Corporations - OLPC Canada values our relationship with corporate partners who make strategic investments in Aboriginal education and wish to highlight the strengths and abilities of Aboriginal youth. If you represent or know of a corporation who would be well served by a partnership with OLPC Canada please let us know at info@olpccanada.com or (416) 642-5455 and we will be happy to explore the fit.
06
Can I donate a pre-owned laptop or tablet?
OLPC Canada distributes the XO laptop and XO tablet produced by One Laptop per Child, customized with content for Aboriginal youth in Canada. We do not distribute pre-owned electronic equipment. Recycle Your Electronics can provide guidance in this area. If you have a pre-loved XO laptop obtained through the Give One Get One program, we would be happy to refurbish it for use within our programs. Please contact us at info@olpccanada.com for more information.
07
Is One Laptop per Child (OLPC) an international organization?
One Laptop per Child (OLPC) is a Miami-based, non-profit organization created by faculty members from the MIT Media Lab to design, manufacture, and distribute laptops that are sufficiently inexpensive to provide every child in the world access to knowledge and modern forms of education. Since 2006, XO laptops have been sold by OLPC to governments, organizations and foundations that distribute education technology to youth in their respective countries. OLPC in the United States does not donate or distribute technology directly to youth. For more information please visit laptop.org
OLPC Canada is an independent not-for-profit organization that sources technology OLPC in the United States. We exclusively work within Canada.
08
Can I apply for laptops/tablets for an international education program?
OLPC technology is used by independent deployments across the globe, with each deployment being independently run by a local foundation, organization or government. OLPC Canada is an independent organization that exclusively distributes technology to Aboriginal youth in Canada. To identify an organization working in your country or region of interest please visit http://olpcmap.net
09
I am ineligible for OLPC Canada. Where else can I find technology for my child/school/community program?
reBOOT Canada is a Canadian registered charity that recycles and refurbishes donated computer equipment and distributes it across Canada to support national programs. Their mission is to bridge the digital divide by providing subsidized, and reliable access to; technology, software, computer education, and the internet experience. For more information please visit http://www.rebootcanada.ca/
10
Who can I contact for more information?
Thank you for your interest in OLPC Canada. For more information on the initiative or to find out how you can help, please contact us at info@olpccanada.com or (416) 642-5455.
© 2015 One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada