Computers seen as a necessity in learning environment
FOR many years, Cindy Wong has been supporting a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) focused on giving out second-hand computers or laptops to needy individuals and underfunded schools.
She said the Computer Empowerment Programme (CEP) by Medical Awareness Camp Outreach (Maco) was crucial to providing digital access to young people, especially students.
“Having a computer is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It is an essential tool that allows students to stay up to date with rapid digitalisation.
“Maco is really doing a good deed. CEP is a very good idea to equip underprivileged students with digital skills through access to technology.
“I will continue supporting Maco and its initiatives that can contribute to the cause,” she said at a charity high tea in Kuala Lumpur organised by arts patron Datin Susan Lai, a long-term CEP supporter, to raise funds for Maco.
Wong’s daughter May added that CEP could bridge the digital gap between children from families of different income levels.
“Nowadays, you need a computer to stay ahead.
“Some parents are already enrolling their kindergarten and primary school children in courses that can equip them with digital skills.
“CEP enables children from lower income families to also have a chance to learn these skills,” she said.
Maco president Toh Cheng Teik said the organisation has given out almost 11,000 computers to 415 schools to date, at a rate of about 250 computers per month, in the past two years.
He said 9,900 were given to schools and the remainder to individuals, mostly university students, from B40 families.
“I expect the number of computers we give out to reach 12,000 by year-end.”
He said the cost of repairing and upgrading old computers depended on the items donated.
“Our costs are mainly for completing the computer set before giving them out.
“Sometimes, corporations would remove hard disks before handing over the computers to us.
“Hence, we need to spend money to buy hard disks. We always source these computer parts from the second-hand market,” added Toh.
Expressing gratitude to the people who had been supportive of the group, he said: “I still remember our two trips to Penang to deliver 600 computers to more than 20 schools being fully funded by some very compassionate people.
“We also need a constant supply of used computers. Hence, continuous support from the community is really important.”
During the high tea, guests were entertained by performances by famed soprano Tan Soo Suan and her younger sister Soo Tze.
