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Computers for
Schools
Campaigns and Teams
By Rod Boyd
 HELP! It’s not what you think. Our
problem isn’t knowledge… it’s equipment. Teaching
computer isn’t optional today, not even in Panama or any
country of Latin America. So you ask, "Why
would you want to teach computer to a bunch of poor kids?"
Why wouldn't you? Two specialty subjects are absolutely
essential today if we are going to help these kids out of
the pit of poverty: computers and English! Our
own experience sponsoring Aldo through Latin America
ChildCare convinced us of how important this is. (Read
Aldo's Story.)
All our Christian schools have some
type of computer lab in Panama. Often the
equipment is outdated and obsolete. We want to do
better. We all know, including the parents of the
children and young people we minister too, that computer
knowledge is a gateway to career opportunities.
 A few years ago, a pastor from one of
our churches was with us in Panama leading a
construction team at one of our schools. A couple
of the members of the team visited the humble computer
lab and helped the teacher with some training and
hardware problems. The pastor asked me if we could
use more help. As we brainstormed possibilities, one
interesting idea surfaced. Why not invite a small group
of computer “techies” to come and assemble computers and
set up computer labs in our schools?
A new, vital missionary outreach was
born--Computers for Schools--providing our
churches another opportunity for missionary involvement.
Here's how it works:
 Churches assemble a small group of 5 to
10 people. Because much of the work is "assembly line"
production, it isn't necessary that these people have
technical knowledge. Of course, one or two members
need to know the ins and outs of assembling computers and
installing software!
Churches raise funds for the "internal"
components for 30, 40, 50, up to 75 computers. The
church purchases the components in the United States.
We have a great contact that helps us with this part.
These components are: Motherboard and processor, memory
and hard drive.
The church also needs to purchase the operating system
license, network hubs (one for every school) and
connectors. The total cost of these components runs between
$150 and $175 per computer. Team members carry these
components in their checked or carry-on luggage.
 We
are in the middle of a paradigm shift, moving from desktop
computers to "mini" computers. This will minimize the
component assembly work, but ends up taking longer to
configure the minis. In the end, it takes about the
same amount of time. But the new minis are saving a
lot of space and money!
We (the local country) select 3 to 6
schools that will be receiving a computer lab, usually
comprised of between 8 and 15 computers per lab. We
purchase in country the computer case, DVD-ROM, monitor, keyboard,
mouse, UPS and network cable. We require that the
schools that are receiving the equipment participate in the
Microsoft Academic License program that provides the latest
version of Windows and Office Professional. We help
the schools to prepare the room that will be used for the
lab. These preparations include electrical, security,
furniture and teacher selection.
 Typically a team arrives on Friday or
Saturday. They spend the first day "imaging" the hard
drives (installing software) and assembling enough computers
for the first two schools. Computers are delivered to
the schools during the mornings, Monday through Friday.
Assembly continues in the afternoons. The teams don't
just deliver computers! They spend time with kids in
the new computer lab and often do ministry in the schools.
Computers for Schools
is more than just a good idea. To date, we have
conducted nine campaigns, with three different
churches/ministries sending teams. In total these teams
have provided 765 computers for schools in six
different countries, 430 for Panama schools alone! We work closely with
Little Davey
Project, a partner ministry lead by
David and Deborah Kaiser, which has sent ten teams. Please
take a few moments to read the reports of these teams:
If you'd be interested in putting
together a team or participating in one, please send us an
email at
Panorama@Boyds.org. If you're able to help with an
offering to assist with purchasing components that are
purchased in country, please click the following link to
open the secure
Assemblies of God online giving form. Please
specify “Class 50, Computers” in the comments field.
Or please send your offering to:
Assemblies of God World Missions
LACC Computers for Schools (Acct. 5633268, Class 50)
1445 Boonville Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
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