Donate an XO laptop to a child in a developing nation

One learning child. One connected child. One laptop at a time., One Laptop Per Child

“The mission of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) is to empower the children of developing countries to learn by providing one connected laptop to every school-age child. In order to accomplish our goal, we need people who believe in what were doing and want to help make education for the worlds children a priority, not a privilege. Between November 12 and November 26, OLPC is offering a Give One Get One program in the United States and Canada. During this time, you can donate the revolutionary XO laptop to a child in a developing nation, and also receive one for the child in your life in recognition of your contribution.”

Editor’s 12 Nov note: I just bought two (i.e. donated one). You should too.

Editor’s 26 Nov update: This program has been extended to 31 December 2007.

Editor’s 18 Dec update: I got my OLPC XO laptop today. It is an interesting device. Certainly rugged. In some ways it is intuitive – in other ways (i.e. to my 52 year old brain) somewhat counter intuitive. But it is not designed for me. It is designed for children – children who may have never touched electronics before – their gateway to the modern, globalized, interconnected world. As such, this is a potentially powerful device. Once you get through a few things it is remarkably straightforward to use. I get the feeling someone in a third world community is going to submit the equivalent of their application to Starfleet Academy on this device. More to follow.

Images taken inside one of the Insert Studios at CNN’s Washington Bureau on 19 December 2007 [Left] me and the backdrop taken by my XO laptop. [Right] My XO laptop sitting on a chair in the studio. Click on images to enlarge.