- Tiffany Kuehner and Carl Kuehner with students in a BLT-sponsored computer lab in Haiti.
Stamford-based Building and Land Technology has teamed with Florida-based Hope for Haiti to sponsor a computer lab in Haiti, with more such sites on the way.
“Up until now, these students have been learning computers theoretically on a chalk board,” said Carl R. Kuehner, chairman and CEO of BLT, in a prepared statement announcing the project. “That is a major obstacle for kids trying to succeed in this world, and to have that obstacle removed is empowering for them. The majority of these students have never had the opportunity to actually touch or use a computer or access the incredible wealth of information and communication that’s available.
“Today that changes,” he said. “We believe this could have an immeasurable positive impact on their lives.”
The effort taps the Endless computer, which BLT said “has been designed to have apps that people care most about like education, health and livelihood. For emerging markets like Haiti, where Internet connectivity can be hard to come by, this computer brings access to information for all. Founded by a Connecticut native, Matt Dalio, CEO and chief of product, this technology is connecting those with endless potential by providing them with the information they need and want to succeed.
BLT said the program envisions 1,000 Endless computers on the island. No number of initial computers was given, but photos showed a schoolroom filled with students and new computers. BLT reported pre-loaded academic programs from Khan Academy immediately made available the likes of biology and organic chemistry. Endless markets a $169 computer for emerging markets and says its goal is to put computers in 2 billion households.
“These kids are innately brilliant and incredibly driven. Until now, they just lacked the resources to propel them forward,” explained Lauren Giordano, North East Advisory Board Secretary of Hope for Haiti and a BLT employee.
