Here's the story from the Samoa Observer about the computers donated to the DOE by ANZ. I love the part about the computers being in "very good condition". That's sort of like saying someone who's dying of cancer is in very good condition. It's an absolute joke. The compters were a complete mess, full of dust, no cd-roms, about a third of the hard drives were hosed. It's a feel good story for ANZ and the Samoan government, but in truth, these computers will likely do little good other than giving ANZ a fat tax write off.

ANZ donates 150 computers for education

By Afamasaga Toleafoa (Samoa Observer)

The students of Samoa will be the beneficiaries of 150 computers donated to Samoan education by ANZ.

The computers will be used to teach students Computer studies, Maths, Language, Science and Typing. They can also be used in preparing for examinations.

Minister of Education, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said the Department of Education wishes to acknowledge with gratitude ANZ Bank’s generous donation.

And it is also very timely as it has come as the Department is going through a process of institutional reform and strengthening. All this is part of the emphasis on providing quality education in Samoa.

These are used machines in very good condition and will be distributed to schools for the use of students and teachers.

Some will be allocated to the Teacher’s Resources Centres in Upolu and Savaii.

With the help of NUS Laboratory Manager, Ioritana Leauga, the machines will be fitted with the right sofware and programmes for use in schools.

ANZ has been upgrading its technology, hence the machines becoming available.

Managing Director of ANZ’s Pacific Division, Mr Bob Lyon said, “The Bank was delighted to donate the computers and assist in educating so many people. Education is vital to the long-term future of Samoa.”

ANZ Bank (Samoa) Managing Director, Mr. Garry Tunstall said, “We are pleased to be able to provide the tools that will assist such a large group of young people in getting access to a better education, and is part of the Banks involvement in the community in which it works.

The distribution of the computers to the schools is being arranged by the non-profit organization, Computer Bank Australia, and through the assistance of Rotary Club of Apia and its members who assisted with storage and transport.