The Malay Association Rupee Fund Center on Kew Road, Colombo 2, opened a computer lab this weekend for its students. This donation of used computer equipment will provide the first encounter with the world of information technology for students who would otherwise have been deprived of such resources. The Center's administrator, Mrs. Sutami Ratnavale, best sums the children's anticipation: "the great ambition of all the kids is to have hands-on experience on a computer."  Perhaps these students will be even more encouraged to achieve their full potential.

Access to educational resources has the potential to expand opportunities and horizons of students. However, even in Colombo, some students have limited access to expensive equipment such as computers. With employers seeking contemporary skills, this lack of exposure is a handicap to students from such communities. Children in the racially diverse Kew Road community are such an example. The Sri Lanka Malay Association's (SLMA) Rupee Fund has supported a Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Kew Road since 1953 and provided technical skills such as typing and English language instruction to local children. Since trends in employment have virtually eliminated the need for typing skills and employers demand fluency in computer based skills, the VTC collaborated with the Lanka Academic Network (LAcNet) to modernize the school equipment. The result: a set of computers for use by the current enrollment of 30 children.

The SLMA Rupee Fund is a well established charity that receives donations from prominent businesses and members of the Sri Lankan Malay community. The generous support of the Rupee Fund has provided a building, infrastructure and dedicated teachers that allows the operation of the VTC. LAcNet is a non-profit, volunteer run organization of students, teachers and professionals distributed throughout the globe; their mission is to enhance educational opportunities in Sri Lanka by increasing the accessibility of the Internet to its students. LAcNet also provides news and information about Sri Lanka.

Emmanuel Teitelbaum, a Fulbright scholar from the U.S., was the LAcNet member who was instrumental in organizing the donation of used computer equipment from the U.S. and transfer to Colombo. The high cost of computer equipment is a formidable barrier in organizing access to computer systems. Computer equipment of moderate age involves higher upgrade costs for businesses, but is sufficient for basic instruction. LAcNet also supported the cost of shipping and duty. LAcNet also acknowledges the donors of the computer equipment and the support of Wije Hewavitharane (Colombo Express which operates out of New Jersey, U.S.), who provided shipping at a reduced rate.