DXC Technology expands digital equality initiative to Asia Pacific
After a successful launch in Australia, DXC Technology has extended its Digital Futures social impact program to the Asia Pacific region, beginning with 18 schools in the Philippines.
As part of the program, the global technology services consulting firm has donating 300 laptops to schools in Mindanao in collaboration with Australian non-profit LiteHaus and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC). Altogether, almost 10,000, mostly indigenous students will benefit from gaining access to the new digital tools and an enhanced learning environment.
The Digital Futures Program was established to provide remote, lower socioeconomic communities with access to technology in an effort to improve educational outcomes and career opportunities, while also being mindful of sustainability and reducing e-waste.
DXC Technology works with customers and program partners to procure used and reconditioned computing equipment and software for distribution to schools and other community organisations.
To date, the program has been working with a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations in remote parts of Australia – including a recent donation of 15 laptops to Northern Territory Clontarf Academy students – and has recently extended its activities across the Tasman as part of DXC’s Māori and Pacific Peoples Program. More than 800 local students have already been impacted by the donations.
That number, however, is set to significantly grow as DXC expands the program to Asia Pacific, beginning with the 18 schools in the Kidapawan district on the southern Philippines island of Mindanao – the 300 donated laptops expected to benefit almost 10,000 local students alone, many who have never used a digital device before.
Beyond just a donation, LiteHaus and EDC will provide further support in setting up the computer labs and overseeing licensing.
“DXC will provide refurbished laptops to LiteHaus, who along with EDC will manage the logistics of distribution and ignite interest within the communities we are connecting with,” said Canberra-based program lead Stuart Meadley “Working with our customers and partners means they get the opportunity to donate refurbished devices and participate in meaningful community projects, whilst also meeting their ESG goals.”
DXC has found an appropriate partner in LiteHaus. Founded by CEO Jack Growden in Townsville in 2017 to address digital inequality, the NGO’s approach aligns perfectly with DXC’s – equipping classrooms in developing regions in Australia, Papua New Guinea and now Asia with refurbished computers and e-learning materials.
So far LiteHaus has reached more than 100,000 students, with a vision to increase that to one million within the next five years.
“We are thrilled to see our partnership with DXC Technology, founded on a shared vision for a digitally-empowered world, have an impact on the lives of thousands of students here in the Philippines. The deep connection which our local partners have with communities in the Kidapawan area will ensure that the 300 laptops being donated will go to good use,” said Growden.
