Saskatoon, May 19, 2015– More than 200 local Aboriginal students started the school week off with a special boost thanks to new educational technology donated by PotashCorp and One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada. Elementary schools located in Muskoday First Nation and Whitecap Dakota First Nation were selected to receive 75 educational tablets as part of a national initiative to bridge the digital divide for Aboriginal youth.
Leanne Bellegarde, Director of Aboriginal Affairs for PotashCorp, personally delivered tablets to classrooms. “Technology plays an important role in our schools and our education system,” said Bellegarde. “PotashCorp is pleased to invest in these educational tablets for the youth at Muskoday First Nation Community School and Whitecap Dakota Elementary School, to inspire students to learn and help them eventually complete grade 12.”
OLPC tablets are designed with children in mind, featuring over 100 educational apps in areas such as financial literacy, health, math, science, as well as content promoting Aboriginal culture and language. “It is exciting that the children have this opportunity to improve their learning with technology they feel comfortable with” said Iona Abbott, Teacher, Muskoday First Nation Community School.
About One Laptop per Child Canada
Since 2010, OLPC Canada has provided laptops and tablets to more than 8000 Aboriginal students 6-12 years of age in rural, remote and urban communities. More than 30 Aboriginal educational initiatives have benefited from technology distributed in 9 provinces and 2 territories. An additional 120+ communities have requested to participate in the program and OLPC Canada is currently seeking to expand their network with the help of sponsors.
About PotashCorp
As the world’s largest crop nutrient company, PotashCorp plays an integral role in global food production. The company produces the three essential nutrients required to help farmers grow healthier, more abundant crops. With global populations rising and diets improving in developing countries, crop nutrients such as potash, phosphates and nitrogen offer a responsible and practical solution to help produce the food we need, from the land we have.
For more information contact:
Jennifer Martino
Executive Director
One Laptop per Child Canada
416-642-5455
[email protected]
Rhonda Speiss
Manager, Community Investment
PotashCorp
306-933-8544
[email protected]