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The Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), today (November 8) announced the "Computer Recycling Scheme" to be implemented in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years.
"With the implementation of the Information Technology (IT) in Education Strategy, the use of computers has become an integral part of learning and teaching," Acting Principal Assistant Secretary for Education and Manpower Mr She Mang said.
"According to a survey by the Census and Statistics Department from June to August, 2004, about 20,000 primary and secondary school students aged 10 and over who did not have computers at home had indicated that they needed the device to facilitate their study.
"The scheme aims to provide recycled computers, necessary learning tools and associated services to families with students of Primary One to Secondary Seven who cannot afford to have access to IT at home," Mr She said.
"To achieve our objectives, we need support and donation from the community. We hope that schools, public and private sectors can donate their old computers to help needy students."
Director of Information Technology Resource Centre of HKCSS Dr John Fung Yat-chu said students lacking opportunities to get access to computers and the Internet may face more difficulties in learning which in turn widened the knowledge gap between the haves and the have-nots.
"Support from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and volunteers are also crucial to the success of this project. NGOs can organise training courses for parents and provide emotional support to the families. Volunteers can help teach courses or repair recycled computers for the students," Dr Fung said.
With the co-ordination of HKCSS, NGOs will refurbish the donated computers and arrange delivery to recipient families. A one-year free warranty service, hotline and on-site technical support, and one-year free Internet connection service will also be provided for recipient families.
To encourage recipients' parents to motivate their children towards the appropriate use of IT and drive home messages on cyber ethics, a training session to introduce basic IT knowledge, skills in handling conflicts about computer usage and attitude towards IT ethical issues will be arranged for them.
"Under the scheme, recipients are given the opportunity to access to the information-abundant Internet at home and enjoy online resources. We expect that they will gradually acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes for lifelong learning and will be capable of solving problem with the use of IT," Mr She said.
Details of the scheme can be found on the website of "Computer Recycling Scheme" (http://www.pc-recycle.hk). Donation of old computers can be made to HKCSS at 2864 2965.
Ends/Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:26
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