Computers donated to the David LaMotte School in Santiago Atitlan

Basic Education and Literacy is one of Rotary’s seven principal areas of focus, and computer literacy is essential to a well rounded education. However, very few students in remote villages in Guatemala here have access to computers. Recently, with a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, Michigan we were able to donate six computers to the David LaMotte School in Santiago Atitlan. There are many more schools in need.

Finding affordable and reliable Windows computers in Guatemala is problematic, but refurbished Lenovo Thinkpads in the US are affordable and plentiful. While they are neither light nor slim, their screens are nothing to write home about, but they are easy to repair, parts are readily available (even in Guatemala) and, most importantly, they are dependable. As PC Magazine put it: “Lenovo’s ThinkPad T480 is the very definition of a workhorse business laptop.” In other words, ideal for schools.

The sustainability of any Rotary project is essential and we will regularly revisit the David LaMotte School to make sure all goes well, but there are many more schools that desperately need computers. For about $280 we can purchase, ship, pay Guatemalan taxes and duties, install Windows in Spanish and deliver it to a school in need. Can you help?

Here is a review of the Lenovo’s ThinkPad T480: