In the testing time of COVID-19, we have witnessed a series of positive steps from many countries, organizations, and NGOs, among others. One such good example is the San Diego Public Library Foundation, which has come out with a host of measures to help the underprivileged communities and residents to keep on learning even amidst the newly emerged challenges. These efforts have manifested in the form of meeting the necessary hardware and software requirements that students have to meet to develop, learn, and progress in their lives.
Finer Details
The foundation has come up with three different initiatives that aim to provide computers to people who cannot access the broadband facility. The foundation has specifically stated that in the northeastern and southern parts of the country, there is a pressing need to provide internet facilities as a total of 100,000 students are devoid of internet connectivity in the country.
The foundation has already distributed 240 Chromebooks to students, and this initiative is one in the series of steps to help students get along with the learning process in online mode. Participants who have enrolled in Adult Literacy and Career Online High School Programs of the foundations have been given computers for completing their course efficiently and effectively.
Another important initiative taken by the foundation is to equip library patrons with Chromebooks. This is specifically relevant in the context of completing a variety of tasks in a completely remote manner. The foundation’ other program, Computers in the Courtyard, is also expanding its operation with coverage of more locations.
The chief executive officer of the Foundation, Patrick Stewart, said that it is important for the libraries to play a crucial role in these challenging times. Even before the pandemic, libraries played a constructive role in knowledge dissemination. Now, there is a need for libraries to become the flag bearer of bridging the divide between physical and digital modes of education.
Conclusion
This initiative is commendable and paves the way for other libraries and foundations to show up and play their role in helping the underprivileged section get its due share in technology upgradation. It will also encourage and inspire the government authorities and corporates to come together for constructive decision making to aid in propagating of new-age technologies fairly and equitably.
