Where are the Computers?

This is the question that has been bombarded to me (texts, calls, and e-mails) either by the principals or the ICT Coordinators of the 14 recipient public high schools in the region ever since we conducted the community mobilization and project briefing for CICT-iSchools October 2007.

The burden of answering this question lies on me as the Project Manager. I could not answer them with a definite date so this question has also been answered with a question, ‘Have you already set up a computer laboratory for the 22 computers we will deliver soon?’ At least, it is the safest reply I could think of at the moment.

Of course the principals and anyone working in the government are aware of complex matters like RA 9184 or General Procurement Act, DBM, etc. But how would you explain such matter to an excited, anticipating first year high school student? How would you answer a student who could not contain his excitement for an Internet, for something that he has probably only heard of. I can’t blame them for I know I have roused their interest during the orientation about the components of the CICT-iSchools Project like 22 computers with free one year Internet connection, LCD projector, 3-in-1 printer, etc.

However, looking at the bright side of the question, it makes me think that it is more than just a question ‘of exactly when can we have the computers?’ but a manifestation of how eager they would like to sustain the project. It is not only because they want to experience the excitement in the cyberworld but perhaps so they could start planning schemes as to how they would sustain the project with the help of the community. For now I would like to believe it that way.

Now, about the computers: the CICT has told me that the computers are ready for delivery to the recipient public high schools anytime soon. However, the locations of these schools would not warrant an easy delivery so we would have to come up with plans regarding the schedule of delivery and identification of the mode of transportation. (Erwin P. Rayel, Project Manager)