Bridging the digital gap in remote schools
Date:
Over 5,000 young volunteers in 445 groups have gone to nearly 800 rural schools in an effort to help bridge the digital gap.
Disability not a problem for volunteer work
Despite his mental disability and visual impairment, Lu Jun-Wei, a student of Hung Der Technical & Commercial High School joined the Hung Der Information Volunteers.
Lu is skilled in the use of computer software and in assembling and fixing computers. He also holds a license in TQC and webpage design.
The other volunteers who worked with Lu said that they were moved by Lu's passion and this has helped them develop a deeper appreciation for life.
Service is being responsible for others
Wang Yi-Ting, a Computer Science & Communications Engineering major at the Providence University, joined her classmates for volunteer work at the Wu-Cu Elementary School in Chingshui Town in Taichung County.
Through group games, they taught the kids basic computer skills, computer assembly and setting up Internet connections.
"I hope schools provide opportunities for their students to develop skills they need in their lives and in helping others," said Wang.
We're never too old to learn
Lin Jia-Wei, majoring in Management Information Systems at the National Chiayi University, teaches at a digital opportunity center in Chiayi. His students include kids, their mothers and even their grandfathers.
"It's hard for me to catch up with my classmates," said an elderly man in Lin’s class, "but I still come here every week because I learn something new."
"The seniors appreciate learning opportunities more than the young people and they are usually more diligent," said Lin, "and this is their chance to learn about the digital world."