ewb

University of Calgary Students Make Short Work of Filipino Poverty

Calgary, AB November 18, 2003 - The University of Calgary Engineers Without Borders Chapter have announced their participation in the Scala project, a national IT initiative aimed at aiding disadvantaged Filipino Youth, an honour the Calgary Chapter won along with 4 other chapters.

The Calgary Chapter, along with UBC, Victoria, SFU, and McGill will raise $15,000 and obtain 40 computers to build and staff Information and Communication Technology Centres (ICT) in the Philippines. These centres will train Filipinos in the art and science of IT, to get better jobs in order to improve their lives, and get a "hand-up" from poverty. Each chapter will send 2 overseas volunteers in the summer of 2004 to setup the ICT Centres, train local staff, and work with the local Filipino authorities. Calgary Chapter President David Damberger was on hand: "It's not just for Engineers -- we want to reach outside the Engineering faculty," said Damberger. "we're doing real projects and people get excited about that."

Engineers Without Borders is dedicated to improving the lives of all mankind. The Scala project urgently requires your assistance. If you wish to donate money or computers, or would like to voluneeter, please email ewb@ucalgary.ca, or phone (403) 220 4542.