GOOD NEWS
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Rebooting Back to School for Aboriginal Youth
400,000 Aboriginal children head back to school this fall
September 3, 2015
Back to school marks an exciting time for children nationwide. For many of the more than 400,000 Aboriginal children in Canada, back to school means return to the very centre of community life. Schools are a place to explore curriculum and actively absorb traditional knowledge, while serving as an important gathering place for the community at large. Too often, back to school often also means a return to institutions that struggle to provide the tools required for 21st century learning. The Assembly of First Nations has identified lack of access to technology as a significant challenge in more than 50% of on reserve schools (Chiefs Assembly on Education, 2012). Since 2010, OLPC Canada has helped to bridge the digital divide for Aboriginal youth by providing educational technology to Aboriginal education programs. The need for educational technology is highlighted by our wait list for the program. At present we have requests for technology from more than 150 communities representing more than 15,000 Aboriginal students. It is our goal to provide a technology rich educational environment for an additional 1,000 students this fall, at a cost of $100 per student. Please consider adding student or classroom sponsorship to your fall shopping list, or simply spread the word about this important initiative by sharing this newsletter. Thank you for your continued support. We very much look forward to putting your donation to work for Aboriginal students across Canada.
Warm regards,
Jennifer Martino, Executive Director
OLPC Canada
Thanks to collaboration between One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada, TD Bank Group and Frontier College, educational tablets have been provided for more than 1,200 Aboriginal youth in northern Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick. The $100,000 gift from TD has provided tablets to youth participants of Frontier College Aboriginal Literacy Summer Camps, with tablets remaining in the eight First Nations communities as a permanent donation to local schools. An additional 400 Aboriginal youth will benefit from TD sponsorship this fall, with communities selected in partnership with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).
Thank you TD for your ongoing support of OLPC Canada and many other initiatives benefiting Aboriginal people across the country.
TD donates $100,000 in support of Aboriginal education
September 3, 2015
Celebrating 5 years
of partnership
with Vale
September 3, 2015
Vale, one of the world’s largest mining companies, has been a core supporter of OLPC Canada from the project's inception in 2010. During the 2014-2015 school year, Vale support allowed OLPC Canada to significantly enhance access to technology for 740 Aboriginal youth. Vale representatives actively distributed educational tablets to youth and educators in seven Aboriginal communities adjacent to Vale operations in Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland Labrador. This year, OLPC Canada is proud to announce that Vale has returned as a core sponsor, providing technology for an additional 1,000 Aboriginal students.
Thank you Vale for your continued commitment to enhancing Aboriginal education through access to technology.
TD donates $100,00 in support of tech boost for Aboriginal education: More than 1300 students to benefit
July 7, 2015
TORONTO, July 7, 2015 /CNW/ - For hundreds of Aboriginal youth attending camp this summer, learning will have a decidedly technological flair. Thanks to an ongoing partnership between One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada, TD Bank Group and Frontier College, educational tablets have been provided for more than 900 Aboriginal youth in northernAlberta, Ontario and New Brunswick. Eight First Nations were selected to receive child friendly educational technology as a part of a national initiative to bridge the digital divide for Aboriginal youth. The $100,000 gift from TD has provided tablets to youth participants of Frontier College Aboriginal Literacy Summer Camps, which will remain in First Nations communities as a permanent donation to local schools. An additional 450 youth will benefit from edtech donations to elementary schools in Nunavut.
"We are proud to continue to support OLPC and the growth of this national program which provides Aboriginal youth with the tools and resources they need to enhance their education and literacy skills," said Clint Davis, Vice President, Aboriginal Banking, TD. "Literacy is an essential component of social and human development. By supporting the development of strong literacy skills at an early age, youth have a better chance of overcoming learning barriers and achieve better health outcomes, higher income, and improved communication skills with other people."
OLPC Canada tablets are designed with children and communities in mind, with pre-installed educational apps for skill development in areas such as financial literacy, health, math, science and Aboriginal languages. Each tablet is equipped with up to three separate user accounts for children, allowing students to progress through interactive lessons at their own pace. Eleven Aboriginal communities in five provinces and territories have been selected by TD to join the OLPC Canada network this year.
Students of Henry Coaster Memorial School benefited from the initiative in 2014, when Marten Falls First Nation was selected as one of 10 communities to receive tablets as a result of TD sponsorship. "The children are really enjoying using the tablets. The memory game in my grade 1/2 classroom is a hit! The students get excited when they get to use the tablets during our Native Language class. I appreciate how there are apps designed for my class. These tablets serve to enrich just about any lesson!" said Matthew Perlanski, Principal, Henry Coaster Memorial School.
About One Laptop per Child Canada
One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada enhances education for Aboriginal youth with technological tools designed for creative, innovative, self-empowered learning. www.olpccanada.com
About TD Community GivingTD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2014, TD donated $82 million to community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.
Technology boost for 2 Saskatchewan First Nation Schools
Global News-Saskatoon
May 20, 2015
SASKATOON – Saskatchewan aboriginal students started off the week with new technology donated by PotashCorp and One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada. Elementary schools on two First Nations received 75 educational tablets as part of a national initiative.
OLPC Canada aims to bridge a digital divide by providing aboriginal youth with technology designed for creative, innovative and self‐empowered learning.
The tablets feature more than 100 educational apps, as well as content promoting aboriginal culture and language.“These educational tablets for the youth at Muskoday First Nation Community School and Whitecap Dakota Elementary School, to inspire students to learn and help them eventually complete Grade 12,” said Leanne Bellegarde, director of aboriginal affairs for PotashCorp.
Saskatoon-based fertilizer company PotashCorp donated $16,500 for this initiative.
Since 2010, OLPC Canada has provided over 8,000 aboriginal students, ages 6 to 12, with laptops and tablets in rural and urban communities across Canada.
Northern students get Education tablets
Thompson Citizen-Manitoba
February 26, 2015
More than 100 students in three Northern Manitoba schools now have child-friendly tablets to support their learning.
Mel Johnson School in Wabowden, Thicket Portage School and Pikwitonei School received the laptops through a joint initiative of Vale and One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada. Sixty-five are going to kindergarten through Grade 6 students in Wabowden, 40 to Thicket Portage and 15 to Pikwitonei.
The tablets are made with children and communities in mind and include pre-installed education apps to help students develop skills in health, math, science, financial literacy and aboriginal languages, says OLPC in a press release. Each tablet can have up to three user accounts for students so they can progress though interactive lessons at their own pace.
“We appreciate very much the wonderful learning tools we received in our school,” said Mel Johnson School principal Roberto Romero. “Our gratitude to OLPC Canada, and Vale for making this valuable contribution.”
The Northern Manitoba schools are three of seven selected by Vale to join the OLPC Canada network this year.
“OLPC Canada provides Vale’s Manitoba Operations with the opportunity to directly support the learning of children and youth within the regional communities.” said Ryan Land, manager of corporate affairs and organizational development for Vale’s Manitoba operations. “It not only enriches the lives and learning of the students in these communities, but it also fosters the further development of workplace essential skills for the future workforce in support of our Northern Employment Strategy.”
OLPC Canada is a national initiative to help aboriginal youth bridge the digital divide and enhance education by providing technological tools for creative, innovative and self-empowered learning.
Featured Video of the Day:
Sheshatshiu Grade 1 Students Thrilled by Tablet Donation
APTN National News
November 29, 2014
New Educational Technology for Aboriginal Youth in Ontario First Nations
NationTalk
November 20, 2014
Aboriginal children in two Ontario First Nations have new learning tools thanks to a partnership between Vale and One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada. Sagamok and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek were selected to receive child friendly tablets and laptops as apart of a national initiative to bridge the digital divide for Aboriginal youth. OLPC Canada Youth Ambassador Miranda Legarde was on-site for the technology roll-out.
"The best part of the day was handing the XO tablets out to the students. Their smiles and excitement were contagious. The apps that quickly gained popularity were the piano and drawing apps. I think we may have some future artists to add to the indigenous community."
Chief Moonias of the remote First Nation of Neskantaga made a presentation
to the Aboriginal Service Committee in June 2014. He described the conditions
in his community that led to an epidemic of suicide. In consultation with Chief
and Council, a donation of 20 tablet computers was requested in partnership with
One Laptop per Child. Below is an excerpt from a letter of thanks written by the
Principal of the Nesktantaga Education Centre.
“We are indeed grateful to the organizations for their wonderful support. The students are heavily engaged in using the devices, and have been observed lying on the carpet or sitting at their desk watching educational videos, being engaged in
science experiments, learning their times tables, or simply chatting with each other
using the computers. They also like to read the many books that are available to
choose from, take pictures, and learn to play the piano/guitar while singing the
musical scale. The use of the machines not only seems to promote autonomous learning among our students from JK to Grade 8, but the children are enthused that they have a device that can stimulate their natural curiosity and learn a variety of educational information using their ingenuity. Certainly, they have made a huge difference in the lives of our students here at NEC.”
My Week with OLPC Canada
Miranda Legarde (OLPC Canada Youth Ambassador)
November 19, 2014
This week I was able to join One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Canada in two First Nations communities who were joining the OLPC Canada community thanks to a sponsorship from Vale Mining company.Our first stop was a little town called Massey located in northern Ontario. Massey is about a 20 minute drive from the indigenous community of Sagamok.Our mission the first day was to visit Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik Elementary School located in Sagamok Anishnawbek to deliver 70 XO Tablets for the children at the school. Rachel, the Manager of Stakeholder Relations at OLPC Canada, and I, along with representatives from Valet arrived early and were introduced to the teachers who were wonderful from the start. We felt very welcomed as they explained which classrooms we would be visiting for the day.
The first classes we visited were the junior and senior kindergarten. The kids were adorable! A couple of them actually gave Rachel a welcoming hug when we were introducing ourselves and the tablets. After our awesome intro we handed out the tablets to the class. They engaged in using the learning apps programmed on the XO tablets and not only kept their eyes on their screens, but were asking questions and helping each other navigate the apps together. It was great to see them interact with one another in this activity, such team work.
The next classes we visited were the older grades. These kids were fun and just as engaged as the younger learners. All of the students were quick to pick up the learning tools on the tablets. We walked around each class and explained that we were leaving some tablets with the class and from the looks on their faces and sounds of excitement it was to their delight. It was really great to see the kids just get it, one of the valet reps even pointed out to me that a child was creating and recording their own music! Our day at the school at the community of Sagamok was a good day for everyone. The kids loved their new learning tools even inquiring if they can take one home!
The next stop was the indigenous community of Atikameksheng Anishawbek. This time Valet and OLPC Canada were to deliver 50 tablets and 5 laptops for the community library's after school program. We arrived in good spirits from our last stop to a warm welcome from the librarian and community members. We then gathered around to learn all about the XO tablets. Rachel began our presentation by explaining all about OLPC and of course the XO tablets. Next was the fun part, handing out the tablets to the children! Their smiles and excitement were contagious. The app that gained popularity was the piano app and drawing. I think we may have some future artists to add to the indigenous community. The community members were great, they invited us join in a pizza party after the festivities in which we were very grateful and delighted to be a part of. We thanked Atikameksheng Anishawbek for all of their hospitality and warmth it added to an already fun filled day.
I am very happy that I was given the opportunity to share in these experiences with each First Nations community and I extend my gratitude to Jennifer Martino and Rachel Ward for enabling me to contribute to OLPC Canada in this way.
THANK YOU.
Grade 1 student figuring out the XO tablets at Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik Elementary School in Sagamok.
I loved seeing how quickly the youth could navigate the educational apps!
Rachel presenting at the Atikameksheng Kendaasii-Gamik (the new library in Atikameksheng Anishawbek).
New Tablets Spark Greater Student Engagement in Remote Indigenous Communities
Leaders and Legacies, October 8, 2014
About 540 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, the picturesque Aboriginal community of Webequie sits on the northern peninsula of Eastwood Island on Winisk Lake. There may be no permanent roads to this isolated, fly-in only community, but the students at the local public school are more connected than ever, thanks to new tablets from One Laptop Per Child Canada.
Young Leaders Reboot Classrooms for Aboriginal Youth
NationTalk, September 2, 2014
Back-to-school is an exciting time for One laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada, as Aboriginal youth return to technology equipped classrooms and new educational programs join the OLPC network. This year, more than 300 additional Aboriginal youth in Ontario, Quebec and Nunavut have benefited from technology in the classroom due to the efforts of high school students from the Greater Toronto Area.
10 Remote Communities Receive Educational Technology
July 28, 2014
One Laptop per Child Canada (OLPC) and TD Bank Group announce the addition of 10 remote communities to the OLPC network. In the month of July, 400 customized tablets have been distributed to Frontier College Aboriginal Literacy Summer Camp participants in remote communities in Ontario, Quebec and Nunavut. Aboriginal youth from the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto GED program played a central role in preparing the technology for distribution.
OLPC Canada tablets are designed with children and communities in mind, with dozens of pre-installed educational apps for skill development in areas such as financial literacy, health, math, science and Aboriginal languages. Each tablet also features a library of more than 100 e-books including children’s stories by First Nations, Métis and Inuit authors.
Aboriginal Youth Partnership Donates XO Tablets to Summer HEAT Program
July 15,2014
On July 15th, 2014, the Aboriginal Youth Partnership (AYP) traveled alongside OLPC Canada to Garrison Public School's Aboriginal Summer HEAT Program in Fort Erie to donate 21 XO tablets. AYP is a youth based organization started by four friends (Janani Thillainathan, Hunster Yang, Serena Lam and Jennifer Chi) to spread awareness within York Region regarding various issues occurring on Aboriginal reserves. With the support of OLPC Canada and the York Region District School Board, they aim to educate students about Aboriginal culture, history, traditions and current issues. Through a variety of events, including Change 4 Change at Castlemore Public School, AYP was able to raise $3400 for OLPC Canada. The 21 XO tablets donated by AYP will be used in the Summer HEAT program until September, when they will then be handed over to Peace Bridge Public School to enhance classroom learning.
Labrador Aboriginal Youth Abroad participants embark on journey of a lifetime accompanied by OLPC technology
July 21, 2014
OLPC Canada is pleased to partner with Canada World Youth on the Labrador Aboriginal Youth Abroad program. 11 youth from three communities (Nain, Hopedale and Sheshatshiu) have embarked on a single journey of a lifetime: A 3-week trip to Tanzania. The group will be in the Maasai village of Parakuyo until August 17 where they are utilizing educational technology provided by OLPC Canada to engage with local students, in addition to tree planting and facilitating recreational activities.
The OLPC Canada team was lucky enough to meet with this inspiring group of youth in Beaumount, Quebec a day before they set out on their journey. Excitement was in the air and it was apparent that this will be a transformative experience for those involved. It was only a short time into the training before the youth were sharing personal creations on the tablets and teaching us new ways to use the pre-installed applications. Participant Amos Lidd was quick to recognize that this technology will allow the Aboriginal and Tanzanian youth to learn together while navigating the language barrier. Upon returning to Labrador, the youth will utilize the XO Tablets in their home communities, sharing this technology within their schools and networks. The OLPC Canada team is excited to see what these inspiring youth accomplish both in Tanzania and in Labrador.
Rotary East York makes a difference
May 22, 2014
OLPC Canada was honoured to attend the Rotary East York recipient breakfast on May 22nd. Thank you to the club and community members who contributed toward the purchase of technology for Aboriginal youth participants in Ontario summer programs.
Markham Aboriginal Youth Partnership
The Guiding Star, April 24, 2014
The Aboriginal Youth Partnership, a Markham based student run organization, hosted a free admission community event at Castlemore Public School. The purpose of the event was to bring the community together to shed light on the issues facing Aboriginal Canadians.
All donations funded through the event went towards One Laptop per Child Canada, with Castlemore Public School being the first school in Canada to fundraise for Aboriginal youth in order to provide them with electronic tablets.
Aiming for Equity for Aboriginal Students: One Laptop Per Child Canada
Leaders and Legacies, March 10, 2014
His early childhood was spent in a trapping camp in northern Manitoba, without electricity or plumbing. Yet when a laptop was put in front of Alex, the quiet 12-year-old boy began attracting attention from a group of students around him.
The Grade 6 student – in his first formal year of school — was using a program called Physics — a physical world simulator where shapes and drawings come to life with forces like gravity, friction, inertia, magnetism and motors. He had created a game whereby stick men bounced around the screen losing limbs along the way, much to the delight of his male peers.
It is stories like this that Jennifer Martino holds close to her heart as executive director of One Laptop Per Child Canada (OLPC Canada). The organization aims to empower Aboriginal youth to play an active role in their own education through access to learning centered technology.
Featured Video of the day: OLPC Canada PSA
NationTalk, Tuesday, April 11, 2014
NationTalk is the worlds first hyperlocal network for the Aboriginal community. We send and receive content through their website, channel communities and free daily Morning Brief.
Good news from Canada’s aboriginal communities: Goar
Toronto Star, Monday, December 16, 2013
In the past year, Jennifer Martino has been to Attawapiskat three times. She has been to Nelson House, a Cree Community 800 kilometres north of Winnipeg; Rankin Inlet in Nunavut; Whitewood in Saskatchewan and Nain in Labrador.
She has so much good news it comes spilling out. In some of the most isolated aboriginal communities in Canada, people are finding local solutions to intractable problems. On some of the poorest reserves in the North, kids are thriving.
“If Canadians could see what is going on, it would change their perspective,” she says.
NationTalk Audio Interview: Jennifer Martino, OLPC Canada
NationTalk, November 6, 2012
NationTalk has the pleasure of speak to Jennifer Martino, Director of One Laptop Per Child Canada. The non-profit organization aims provide each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop. They have designed hardware, content and software for collaborative, joyful, and self-empowered learning. Jennifer talks about the work of OLPC internationally, the remarkable technology of the machines and how the organization is working with The Belinda Stronach Foundation to bring these benefits the Aboriginal youth of Canada.
© 2015 One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada