The
Elephant Project For KIDS!
(Like the Elephant, Kids NEVER forget!)
(Free Computers – Free Software – Free Internet Access!)
Introduction: Long before they reach high
school, kids in America have access to computers in school. Many have computer access in their
homes. A small, but vitally important
segment does not. These kids have
different labels: “Problem Kids”, “At Risk Kids”, “Low Income Kids”,
“Foster Kids”. These kids start
out just as motivated, just as ambitious, and just as optimistic as other
kids. Although they may be “computer
disadvantaged” at home, some will overcome their circumstances, graduate from
high school, go into business, or go to college, and lead very useful,
productive lives. Others will fall by
the wayside. With little money,
unstable family circumstances, drug abuse, crime, it is no wonder that many
fail. Adults will fail under similar
circumstances. For every child who
fails, society pays a price in increased crime, incarceration, and
rehabilitation costs. While these costs
are substantial, the far more important costs are the loss of a child.
It
is our wish that, before they have a chance to fail, “The Elephant Project for
KIDS!” will make a difference by providing used computers to kids – Free
Computers, Free Software, Free Internet Access (and, sometimes, a free
lunch). Each selected child will
receive a used computer, on a lease/loan basis. During the lease period, the parent(s) and child are encouraged
to show responsibility for ownership. Upon expiration of the “lease” period,
the computer will be considered “earned” and he/she can keep the computer. Experience has shown that “ownership
responsibility” is key, otherwise many computers will be sold or pawned. Granted, computers are not the total answer,
but by having a computer in the home, maybe – just maybe, he/she can maintain
his grades and become eligible for traditional assistance to succeed.
What
“The Elephant Project for KIDS!” Provides:
Phase
I – Hardware/Software/Internet Access
The Elephant Project For KIDS! is a “Franchise Type” business model to obtain used computers,
software, and support that provides “turn key” assistance to the
school/organization so that the school/organization can focus on helping the
student by providing a complete, working computer system without having to meet
any school computer criteria, and without having to be in the “computer repair”
business. This model can be replicated
in any school, community, city, or state.
Any qualified organization, (school or non-profit), can become a
franchisee.
This
Specifications
of the business model follow:
Hardware: source of used computers;
collection logistics; repair, refurbishment, and distribution logistics.
Software: source of software; source
of upgrades.
Support: computer training; Internet
access.
Through this model the child will be
provided:
1.
A
free, Internet ready, fully functional, used computer (minimum requirements:
133 MHz Pentium class processor, 16 MB
RAM, 3 GB hard drive, 3.5” floppy drive, 4X CD ROM drive, 56 K modem, 16 bit
color monitor, mouse, and keyboard);
2.
Free
software (minimum requirements: DOS, Windows 98, MS Works, Linux OS [e.g.
Mandrake 9.0 or Software602/Open Office]);
3.
Free
Internet access;
4.
Free
computer training.
Cu
Current status of the Elephant
Project:
Used Pentium class computers: 50+ AVAILABLE, but no
operating system.
Free
checkout and repair of the computers: AVAILABLE.
Free
computer training for selected kids: AVAILABLE, but very limited.
Microsoft’s
Charity discount program: ACCESS AVAILABLE.
Linux
operating system/desk top: AVAILABLE
Still Needed:
Software: Funds are needed to provide software: MS DOS, Windows 98 or higher, MS Works, (including Spanish versions).
Internet
Access: Funds are needed to purchase Internet access. ($100.00 will provide free Internet Access for one student for
one school year).
Used
computers, preferably complete systems.
Collection
locations:
Logistical
support, both collection and distribution.
Financial
support:
Intellectual support:
thoughts, ideas, and suggestions:
Why Used Computers?
The
Elephant Project For KIDS! becomes the “middle man” to overcome two major
problems:
First,
many companies are willing to donate used computers, but they generally do not
donate directly to computer beginners because they cannot provide technical
support if the computer is inoperable or subsequently fails. Also, these donations may not qualify for tax deductions.
Second,
many non-profit agencies would like to provide computers to their clients, but
used computers are not an option because they cannot update old computers and
provide the detailed support needed by a beginner. Their emphasis is on using the computers in support of their own
programs, not repairing computers.
Through the Elephant Project For KIDS!, these agencies receive out-of
–the-box, working computers.
The
Elephant Project For KIDS! becomes the “middle man”. By seeking, collecting,
updating, and distributing used computers from donors on a “tax deductible”
basis, the donor is relieved of any subsequent cost, follow-up etc. Old computers are disposed of and the donor
receives a tax deduction.
The
Elephant Project for KIDS! takes temporary custody of the computers, swaps out
defective drives, mother boards, adds drives, modems, software, etc. and
delivers an upgraded, working computer
to agencies who can identify qualified, needy recipients. The Elephant Project does not retain any
complete computers except for test purposes. (Non-working computers, however,
are retained and used for spare parts to upgrade other computers)
Used
computers clearly present significant problems. They are not state of the art.
They may have reliability problems.
They may not have operating systems installed. There have very little resale value. They present hazardous waste problems at landfills. Yet, they are a valuable resource that can
and should be exploited. Although
corporations and government agencies have little use for old computers, they
can become an excellent “first computer” for a child and family. The Elephant Project seeks to prove that
older Pentium class computers can be repaired, upgraded, and distributed to
needy kids in a cost-effective manner.
When all details are worked out, this “business model” can be replicated
in other schools, communities, cities, counties, and states.
Phase II - Software
The
Elephant Project is currently developing a series of web based “templates” that
allows the “kid” to select and customize his/her own, personal “home page”.
These can be provided through the school as a school/class project. The teacher can lead the class in “creating”
a class or school home page. Simply by
modifying the class home page, the child can further customize his own home
page. Other templates, to be developed,
include a “Home Town” module, a game module, a school fund raiser module,
etc. While the Elephant Project will
define and direct development of these templates, they will be designed and
implemented by kids. For example, a
student assisted his father in creating the cartoon on the title page. Other kids are currently being trained to
offer set-up and technical support to computer recipients (e.g. Junior Help
Desks Technicians).
Will
you help? Thanks for your interest.
Dave Hinton, Project Coordinator
(919)
870-7371
david_h_27615@yahoo.com
