19 Aug 2014

Scheme offers cheap computers to children

8:56 pm on 19 August 2014

Porirua principals say a new scheme offering families affordable notebook-style computers is transforming learning at their schools.

The Digital Power project sells the $600 devices to families in 13 east Porirua schools for $4 a week.

The initiative has been running in four of the schools since the start of the year, and children, teachers and parents there say it has had a big impact.

The scheme has been set up by Te Mana o Kupe Trust with the support of businesses and philanthropic organisations.

Te Mana o Kupe Trust chairperson Antony Royal said the scheme aimed to put a digital device in the hands of every school child in east Porirua.

He said the initiative was already running in four schools with 300 children signed up.