BC Technology for Learning Society Reaches 648 Computers for Syrian Families

BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 12, 2016) - BC Technology for Learning Society has hit its 648 computer goal for the #WelcomeRefugees initiative. The initiative was announced by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, who outlined the role of Computers for Schools in delivering 7,500 computers across Canada. Thanks to funding provided by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, BC Technology for Learning Society is pleased to be able to provide free refurbished computers to Syrian Families landing in BC. This targeted initiative, specific to Syrian families, compliments the expanded mandate to support all new Canadians.

"Supporting all Canadians, new and old, to access computers is the heart of what we do at BC Technology for Learning. The #WelcomeRefugees initiative provided a great platform for us to deliver our product to Syrian families and we look forward to continuing to build on this work to support new Canadians in collaboration with partners like MOSAIC." -Mary-Em Waddington, Executive Director, BC Technology for Learning Society.

BC Tech has been working directly with settlement agencies across the province to deliver these computers. The support of MOSAIC, the Immigrant Services Society of BC, and other resettlement agencies greatly assisted with the transfer of equipment, while the role of BC Tech was to facilitate access to the tools that encourage contribution and participation in the digital economy.

"It has been an honour for MOSAIC to be part of a very informative initiative to welcome and support the integration of newcomers into our communities. In partnership with BC Technology for Learning Society, MOSAIC was able to provide computers to many recently arrived refugees. It was amazing to see the happiness on the faces of newcomers and their children when they were getting their computers. We look forward to further opportunities to support our community." - Saleem Spindari, Manager, Refugee Settlement Support Projects, MOSAIC.

BC Tech has refurbished over 150,000 donated computers since 1994 and distributes them to schools, non-profits, and Aboriginal communities across BC through the Computers for Schools program. BC Tech will continue to support additional Syrian families and other new Canadians thanks to ongoing funding from the Government of Canada. With the continued support and donations of BC residents, BC Tech looks forward to continuing to make technology accessible for all Canadians and to bridge the digital divide.

BC Tech helps to meet the demand for computers in the classroom and community by delivering the Computers for Schools (CFS) program throughout British Columbia. "Economic growth in all sectors of the economy depends on our ability to adapt, adopt and integrate digital technologies. The BC Technology for Learning Society has been a key partner supporting the Computers for Schools program for over two decades." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

BC Technology for Learning Society's provides quality work experience to BC students, protects the environment by reducing e-waste, and bridges the digital divide by making technology more accessible for the community as it becomes more and more an integral part of society. BC Tech has a bright future ahead with many opportunities to expand its reach and continue to help Canadians gain access to computer technology in the years to come.

CFS, co-founded in 1993 by Industry Canada and the Telecom Pioneers, refurbishes computers and related equipment donated by governments and businesses. These computers are distributed across Canada to schools, libraries and registered not-for-profit learning organizations, and Aboriginal communities. CFS is a national, federal government-led initiative that operates in cooperation with all provinces and territories, the private and volunteer sectors. CFS strives to help students gain greater access to computer technology and provide them with learning tools which enable them to develop necessary skills for participating in today's knowledge-based, global economy.