P.M. delivers
50,000th computer for Computers for Schools
Prime Minister Jean Chretien helped the Computers for Schools
program celebrate a milestone by presenting their 50,000th
refurbished computer to Grant Park High School in Winnipeg, February 13.
Fueled by the volunteer efforts of the Telephone Pioneers, Computers for
Schools is a government program that recycles hardware and software from
corporate, government and individual donations to Canadian schools and
libraries.
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With the Prime Minister and his entourage assembled in the gym
in front of the entire student body, the Principal announced the arrival
of the 50,000th computer. The Student Council President, Michelle
Opperman, and Vice-President, Jennifer Schoen, assisted the Prime Minister
in unveiling the computer to the delight of the audience. As the applause
subsided, the Prime Minister took the podium to deliver a speech. Just as
he began to speak, he was interrupted by a small group of students from
another school demonstrating against Canada's position on Iraq. Chretien waved
away approaching security, allowing the visiting students to sit on the stage,
and said , "You want to do that, it's fine with me. You will sit down.
You will be quiet and you will learn something." His last words were
followed by thunderous applause in support of the Prime Minister.
Unfazed by the disruption, Chretien continued his speech by encouraging
the student body to be well-educated and to be familiar with new
technology in order to succeed in their future. He also announced the
launching of the Millennium Scholarship Program to help thousands of
students finance their studies. Chretien then entertained questions from
students for approximately 20 minutes.
Before the assembly, the Prime Minister was greeted at the
front door by Grant Park's student council representatives. He was
escorted to the school library for a student demonstration that showcased
10 ongoing school projects and Internet applications. The Prime Minister
was joined by Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ronald Duhamel,
Secretary of State, Science, Research and Development and Western
Diversification; David Iftody, Member of Parliament, Provencher;
Linda McIntosh, Minister, Manitoba Education and Training; and Garry
Grubert, Principal of Grant Park.
The Computers for Schools program aims to supply 250,000 computers
to schools within the next two years through the assistance of charitable
organizations, such as the Telephone Pioneers, and private sector
companies. Working with Computers for Schools in connecting students to
the Internet is another government program called SchoolNet. SchoolNet, in
partnership with public and private organizations, provides support for
teachers developing educational programs with students. Their goals
include the enhancement of educational opportunities through the medium of
the World Wide Web and to stimulate the Canadian multimedia industry.
Before schools can log on, the donated computers must be refurbished
to meet the demands of today's classroom environment. The Telephone
Pioneers provide skilled volunteer workers from the telecommunications
industry to take on this task. Students are also employed and trained to
assist the volunteers.
