GIVING computing to the poor

Learn from recent attempts to bring Computing to the Poor. 1. An American "laptop to every child" gave out millions of $ worth of laptops to an African community. The first day the kids excitedly played with them. Next day their parents 'sold' them for cig's and food. Within one week, what had not gone up in smoke, had been shat out. 2. In India, a computing research project was established and left Internet connection on the outside of the office door. The first night a couple of kids were seen entertained all night. Within one week there were a group around each terminal, exploring the internet and learning English. Just to be really clear, 1 had lots of instruction in relevant languages. 2 had zero instructions, in an area that did not speak any English.