In an increasingly global information economy, many underprivileged Filipino students lack the resources to acquire an adequate education. Poor rural schools in particular disproportionately fall victim to neglect and under-funding. Thus, any decline and limitation in education access and standards prohibit students from reaching their scholarly potential as global citizens, ultimately reducing opportunities to escape poverty. Many collaborative social programs can be implemented to effectively combat this social epidemic – our non-traditional approach: Philippine Computer Clinics (PCC) is one such initiative. We see ourselves as helping the next generation of Filipino scholars, students who aspire to learn, but have less at their finger tips to acquire that education and the values with which to apply that education.

In collaboration with the Philippine based non-profit organization, Uplift Movement Foundation Inc., we established computer clinics in Harmony Christian School, a private gated institution for Lucena Public elementary school children. The Lucena clinic once fully constructed, will serve as interactive educational center that is designed to help children succeed, while making sure that they enjoy the learning process. Tutoring software for multi-level math, reading, science, and writing as well as Internet service will be installed to assist teachers in educating the students. Most importantly, these computers will serve as a window to a limitless world of knowledge and opportunities. In essence, these computers will connect Filipino children to the world. Additionally, we intend to perpetuate our effort through designing PCC as a sustainable program by developing a mentoring program that includes a component of values formation for the students of both schools so that they may help one another across age and across economic backgrounds. Additionally we hope to develop other clinics in other regions and to meet the needs of other communities.

In the last half of 2007, four college students launched a fundraising campaign that raised just under 10,000 USD to finance and 24 desktop computers to furnish the establishment of a computer clinic in Lucena City, Philippines. Three of the team members came together in August of 2007 and discussed the project goals and planned how to make it happen. through advertisements, funding applications, personal and private donations the project logistics were made possible. The ground work in the Philippines was made possible from familial support and partner support, this support included fundamentally a place to stay and transportation to and from work sites.

We are still in need of funds and capitol is always welcome. We are also looking to expand our network to NGOs in other parts of the Philippines and to other schools in need. The computers being accepted are required in the following condition: • Pentium III processor or greater • 15 gigabyte hard drive or greater • 256 megabytes (or more) of RAM • Desktops should include LCD panels. If LCD panels are unavailable, the tower along with the keyboard and mouse will suffice. (We have a surplus of CRT monitors)