Volunteer organisation Camara, which refurbishes computers and then loads them with educational software to help empower students’ education in disadvantaged areas in countries such as Ireland, Africa and Jamaica, has this week reached a landmark by dispatching its 25,000th computer.
Since it was set up in 2005, Camara’s efforts have to date benefited more than 500,000 students, empowering them to learn through the use of technology.
Camara itself is a West African word that means “one who teaches with experience”.
The charity refurbishes computers that it sources from Irish businesses, Government departments and individuals. It then puts computers loaded with educational software, teacher training, technical support and end-of-life e-waste recycling to help students in marginalised communities access to a better education by embracing ICT.
Alderman Tembo, the school manager at Mama Monty School in Zambia, one of Camara’s beneficiaries, spoke about the educational value the charity has brought to his school.
“I believe all courses in the future will need computers. It is good to expose these students to computers at a tender age, they will require these skills in higher education and industry work.”
Mama Monty is a basic school situated in Kiwte with about 4,000 students ranging from Grades 1-9. The school received 25 computers from Camara Zambia.
“We have hit a milestone in Camara’s history in exceeding the 25,000 mark for computers distributed. I want to thank all of those that have given technology, time or donations and contributed in reaching this significant achievement,” said Camara Education’s CEO John Fitzsimons.
Photo: John Fitzsimons, CEO, Camara Education, and Racheal Kalaba, CEO, Camara Zambia
