Durham, N.C. – In the 21^st century where computers are used to do virtually anything and everything, it is often assumed that the majority of homes have access to a computer.  Contrary to this belief, many families, including children in Durham Public Schools (DPS), do not have such access. 

Responding to the call to provide DPS students with computers in their homes, Durham County Government has formed a partnership to meet the need of deserving students.  Computers 4 Kids involves a partnership between Durham County Government, DPS, the United Way of the Greater Triangle, and the Volunteer Center of Durham that enables County surplus desktop computers to be refurbished and readied for use by DPS students.  Computers are given free of charge and are coupled with a 1 GB thumb drive.  Computers 4 Kids hopes to provide recipients with free access to Internet service in the future.    

According to Durham County Commissioner Joe Bowser, the partnership established for this initiative is sorely needed in Durham.  “This is a great program for some of our greatest children. Computers 4 Kids will give them an opportunity to own a computer to assist them in their academic achievement,” said Bowser.  “Our partnership certainly showcases what happens when agencies work together for a common purpose.”  Commissioner Joe Bowser represents the Durham Board of County Commissioners on the Social Services Board which is handling the implementation of Computers 4 Kids on behalf of the County. 

Deserving students will be referred by Durham County Department of Social Services, DPS social workers, DPS teachers, DPS tutors or the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.  Potential recipients must be enrolled in the DPS system and be between the ages of 8 and 12.  Applications will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis.  Computers 4 Kids plans to distribute 100 desktop systems before the end of the 2009 calendar year.  The United Way of the Greater Triangle will receive the surplus desktops from Durham County Government and prepare them for use.  The Volunteer Center of Durham has agreed to deliver the systems to the residences of the children and provide set up and orientation to facilitate their use.  Computers 4 Kids is currently seeking a partner willing to provide support needed to give students access to Internet services.     

“Children cannot learn at the levels they must without computer access.  We are very grateful to Durham County Government for its generous efforts to provide our students with access to computers at home so that they can keep pace with their counterparts,” said Superintendent Carl Harris. “This is one of countless examples of the strong, mutually supportive and vibrant relationship Durham Public Schools enjoys with Durham County Government.”

Computers will be given on the basis of need.  The custodial parent of each recipient must certify and agree to the following assurances and conditions:

·         There is no access to another computer in the home.

·         The computer may only be used in the home where the child resides.

·         The computer may not be sold.

·         The computer may not be disposed within the first two years of receipt. When disposed, it must be recycled in accordance with standards and practices as published by Durham County Government.

·         The computer may not be used to surf pornographic or hate sites on the Internet.

For more information regarding Computers 4 Kids, contact Antonia Pedroza, business officer for Durham County Department of Social Services, at 919-560-8837 or via e-mail at apedroza@durhamcountync.gov.