TechDren

By the time the nano overlords have released this post the New Year will have started, and we will have delivered forty rehabbed laptops to an elementary school on Pemba in Zanzibar. As I've discussed previously on last year's trip three of our amazing young women from ITS decided that they had to do something to help: Jackie, Abbey and Anna.  It touched my heart, but, truthfully, despite their best intentions, I didn't know if it would ever get off the ground.  It this was where I was so happy to be proven wrong.  The young women formed an organization (TechDren: TECHnology for chilDREN) and met weekly. First they had a few laptops, and then a dozen, and then fifty.  And now suddenly, after a local television interview and the support of a local middle school, they have over three hundred.  Recently they met with Green Mountain Power it it looks like they're going to have all the technology they desire for years to come.  Steve Wehmeyer and I have supported them, including in fund-raising, but they've been the driving force from the beginning. They truly are the best that America has to offer.  One of the original founders, Jackie, is back in Hawaii dealing with some health issues, and they've added Ashley.   It's definitely a formidable team, and they've made it clear they want this to continue even after they've graduated.  Recently they made the decision that they want me to find an elementary school in Jordan so that they can bring computers to elementary school kids there.  Amazing.

Here are Ashley, Abbey and Anna, dragging me out to WaltMart the week for Christmas to buy supplies to gift wrap laptops.  It's an honor to work with them.