Rural schools need computers, internet to keep up: Leader

HAVING computers installed in schools with full access to internet is important in a digital world, says a community leader.
James Witti, representing the Kwip community in Mul-Baiyer, Western Highlands, told a crowd during the presentation of 15 desktop computers and other equipment that the donation was to boost learning.
LiteHaus International, an Australian-based charity organisation donated the equipment to the school, in partnership with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation last Tuesday and IT company Niunet PNG set up their internet service the same afternoon. Witti, a grade 10 drop-out who was a tourist tour guide for some time in Port Moresby, said schools with access to internet could access information conveniently, whether it was learning materials, news, entertainment, social connectivity and others.
“In reality, we see schools in towns and cities performing better than those in the rural areas because they have access to computers and internet service,” he said.
“It is also a sad scenario where students from rural areas struggle to use computers once they enter tertiary institutions.
“This gift is priceless.”
Witti thanked the donors and urged teachers and students to use the computers well and look after them. Councillor and LiteHaus International facilitator Peter Raim said he believed many of the teachers were computer illiterate and the school needed to conduct computer classes for them.