VIA PC-1 INITIATIVE LAUNCHED IN SOUTH AFRICA TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

VIA PC-1 INITIATIVE LAUNCHED IN SOUTH AFRICA TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

NewDelhi September 28, 2006 – Chip maker VIA Technologies today launched its VIA pc-1 Initiative project in Khayelitsha, near Capetown in South Africa considered to be one of the poorest South African townships.

The IkamvaYouth computer lab in Khayelitsha, where the VIA pc 1 initiative has been introduced for computer training of the local youth especially grade 10-12 children for improving their job prospects.

“In order to bridge the digital divide, VIA under its pc-1 initiative with its various partners has developed new categories of innovative, energy efficient PC devices with complete multimedia,computing and connectivity features tailor made to meet specific usage and needs of local markets. The genuine effort of the company to connect next one billion people has given birth to Pc-1 initiative” said, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc

In collaboration with the Shuttleworth Foundation and South Africa’s Department of Social Development, IkamvaYouth has established the “tuXlab” computer centre in the township’s Nazeema Isaacs Library, equipped with 20 VIA pc-1 Power Saving Clients running the open source Ubuntu Linux. Staffed solely by volunteers, many of whom ex-program learners themselves, the non-profit IkamvaYouth is offering hope in a region beset by socio-economic problems such as mass unemployment, low skill levels and juvenile crime.

“The IkamvaYouth tuXlab is an important first step towards e-literacy skills development for the youth of Khayelitsha, and the students are very encouraged and excited to have gained a basic understanding of computers,” commented Joy Olivier, director and co-founder of IkamvaYouth. “Already the program is showing results in terms of pride in their studies and enthusiasm to learn more, and once the lab has full Internet connectivity, our learners will also be able to communicate with their peers and volunteer tutors around the world.”

“IkamvaYouth are an inspiration to the world in their commitment to drive social change in South Africa, and represents what is possible with the right mix of hope, enthusiasm and the generosity of the human spirit,” said Richard Brown, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “VIA pc-1 is all about empowering people to help them improve their lives and those of the community around them, and the tuXlab is an excellent example of that spirit of collaboration essential for the success and sustainability of community development projects in emerging markets.”

Khayelitsha, on the outskirts of Cape Town, is one of the largest and poorest townships in South Africa, with unemployment of over 50% and HIV affecting over a quarter of the population, where many live in shanty housing lacking basic utilities – an ideal target to spur community improvement through education by enhancing post-school prospects, and so inspire hope in the younger generation and try and stem the tide of social deterioration.

http://www.via.com.tw/en/initiatives/empowered/community_solutions.jsp.