AIDS education via computers and rugged laptops to kids in Nigeria?

It is possible! Finalist IT Group donates 1000 hours annually on socially relevant projects that really matter. Finalist started a fruitful cooperation with the notable do-tank Butterfly Works.

The result: the digital curriculum 'Learning about Living' for youth in Nigeria. Finalist made the software for this program. An interview with Ineke Aquarius, co-founder and program director of Butterfly Works.






What is Butterfly Works?
Ineke Aquarius: "Butterfly Works originated form the 'Nairobits' project that was established by three volunteers (the three founders of Butterfly Works). Nairobits is a Digital Design school in the slums of Nairobi. In 1999 no one was doing anything with internet, development cooperation and youth in Africa. Nairobits became a success because it profided for a need. Today Butterfly Works is a professional organization with nine employees. We are a do-tank, in which design is leading for answering international issues."

What is the project Learning about Living (LAL)?
"Nigerian youth are getting lessons in social skills, AIDS education and life-skills through this digital program. Learning about living was developed in collaboration with the Nigerian government and local organizations. Lal also connects seamlessly with the mandatory curriculum in Nigerian schools."

"Our e-learning environment gives these youth the opportunity to have access to knowledge on important social issues and skills in an easy and fun way. The learning environment is a website, but can also be stored on a CD-ROM or memory stick. We have made in a way that the program fits on the OLPC, the Classmate, as well as a normal computer. We want to reach as many people as possible."