IBM PCs for the poor

Information technology giant IBM is taking computer education to students from weaker sections of society in Kolkata.  Five NGOs, CiniAsha, Divya Chaya, Calcutta Rescue, SPAN, and Pratyush identify and bring in students from various parts of Kolkata for training at the IBM centre.

According to Arindam Bhattacharyya, the chief mentor of this programme at IBM Kolkata, "We started this initiative in May 2006. So far we have done three editions and are in the process of launching the fourth. In each session we train around 35 students. We have trained over 100 students."

Most of these children come from families of daily-wage earners, slumdwellers and sex workers. The students usually go to government-run schools and colleges.

Though IBM refused to disclose the amount spent on each child, the company provides transport and lunch to each child trained at its Kolkata centre so that children don't opt out of the three-month programme session.

Students up to 15 years of age, who don't have any knowledge of computers, are introduced to the computer as a tool meant for education and fun. While students up to 25 years or with some exposure to computers, are taught some essential software usage which have business utility and potential value to a prospective employer.

So, IBM teaches them Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Internet in detail. About 100 IBM employees are involved in training. IBM has also introduced training sessions on English communication.