With the One Laptop Per Child Foundation’s computer, the XO, shipping now to children in developing countries, a dream many years in the making has become reality.I’ve been following this story closely for a couple of reasons: in the first place, a good chunk of my personal background is in high tech. I can’t help but be excited at the prospect of all these great minds getting together in order to -- ultimately -- help little minds to grow. There’s something beautiful in that.
The machine itself is beautiful, as well. In a rugged and practical way. The XO laptop is green in all ways, right down to the handcrank that lets kids power it up when they’re in low or no electricity situations. The computer is tough and durable, meant to operate in the worst possible conditions and, together, even exclusive of a connection to the Internet, XOs in proximity to each other together create their own network.
On a more personal level, it’s been exciting watching the emergence of success after a struggle; of taking what was an almost impossibly huge dream and preserving until the dream became reality. It encourages all of us working towards a sustainable and conscious life to keep our heads down and our hearts open.
On a totally practical level, until November 26th if you donate $399, “one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution.” To sweeten things still further, $200 of your donation is tax-deductible. More information on the program -- and the XO laptop -- is here.
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