Dell has announced that it will open two new Solar Powered
Learning Labs in South Africa this month, with more planned. These innovative
programs bring technology and connectivity to students, teachers and
communities through solar power and Wyse thin client workstations.
About a quarter of South Africa's population still lives on
less than $1.25 (USD) per day, and unemployment remains high. Also, a lack of
reliable, affordable electricity and technology access hampers many towns and
schools.
It is these schools in particular where electricity and
technology can drive further progress. Research shows technology and devices in
the classroom help students learn more, more efficiently, and improve the odds
of children lifting themselves out of poverty — particularly for young girls.
Michael Collins, Dell’s vice president and general manager
of emerging markets, initially brought the idea of the Solar Powered Learning
Lab to the Dell Giving Team, which leveraged its strong partnerships with
nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations to make the labs a reality. From
our first lab in 2014, the Solar Powered Learning lab initiative has grown to
nine in South Africa, one in Nigeria, and one in Colombia. We plan to add 6 new
labs this year, expanding not only in South Africa but also new countries like
Kenya and Morocco.
Each Learning Lab, housed in a converted, well-ventilated
shipping container, use solar panels to keep power Wyse thin client workstations
that use seven watts of energy, as compared with 180 watts for traditional PCs.
The new labs also have been built with fresh air-cooled servers, a better
solution for hotter climates.
Bringing technology and connectivity to these students,
teachers, and communities opens up an entire world of new skills, knowledge and
opportunities.
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