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Students at the Dusk'a Head Start Family Learning Centre received laptops and books from One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada during a Royal Visit to the Yukon on Sept. 28.
Students met with Prince William and Kate Middleton during a story circle. Elder Lorraine Allen of Kwalin Dün First Nation read a book written in the Southern Tutchone language.
The book was produced as part of the Prince's charities in Canada, SayITFirst, the Yukon Native Languages Centre, and the Dusk'a Head Start Learning Centre.
A digital copy of the book and accompanying video was provided to Dusk'a students on OLPC Canada laptops, which contain a digital library of educational and cultural content by contributors such as Buffy Sainte-Marie.
"We are honoured that our students at the Dusk'a Head Start Family Learning Centre are receiving these laptops" said Dusk’a Manager-Director Erin Pauls. "This donation will make a big difference to student learning, especially with the digital content in the Southern Tutchone language."
OLPC Canada has provided more than 15,000 since its launch in 2010, and yet there are outstanding requests for support from more than 220 communities, representing more than 20,000 Indigenous students from coast to coast to coast.
Ross River School in the Yukon Territory is looking to get OLPC technology for 60 students in grades 4 to 12. "The use of technology is greatly needed to enhance student success in school" said Ross River Principal Fran Etzel."Many do not own computers, so the use of technology at home is limited. New digital tools can enhance student learning both at school and home".
Canadians can contribute to the campaign for Ross River by visiting www.olpccanada.com.