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Computer pipeline to Mexico changing lives

Wire
Published on: August 28, 2008

Outdated computers that no longer meet the needs of Pierce County employees are helping youngsters in rural Mexico prepare for the digital world. So far nearly 70 surplus computers have been delivered to the Pueblo of San Pancho and other villages with encouraging results. And more are on the way.

The local library’s new computer resource section is equipped with computers from Pierce County. “The minute that school gets out at 2 p.m. each afternoon, the place fills up with kids,” said Bill Garrison of the Prosecutor’s Office, who put together the computer donation program. “Every Pierce County computer that gets to Mexico is really appreciated and is getting a workout like you cannot imagine. Pierce County Information Technology has been absolutely wonderful and has supplied the bulk of the computers.”

The EntreAmigos (Among Friends) library is supported by donations and has no governmental support. Besides the computers, the library has 3,000 books available.  

Computers from Pierce County also are being put to use at the local elementary school. The computers are connected to the federal government’s online learning program. “Most of the pueblos do not have the computers, electrical wiring and connectivity needed to connect to the federal online system. Our equipment at San Pancho has changed the world for these kids,” Garrison said.  

In a new venture with exciting prospects, Garrison is joining forces with Ed Troyer, a detective with Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, who was part of a team that last year delivered surplus public safety vehicles to the town of Ayutla, which is about 100 miles from San Pancho. Garrison said 26 computers have been cleaned and imaged and will be transported on a U.S. Air Force goodwill flight to Guadalajara and then forwarded overland to Ayutla.

Troyer arranged the Air Force flight and also is putting together a caravan to San Pancho to deliver a medic unit and firefighting equipment early in 2009. “I cannot take credit for the good things Ed has done,” Garrison said. “Fortunately, we are teaming up for the new effort that will save lives and property in the San Pancho area.”

Garrison has visited other remote Mexican villages with the same technological needs as San Pancho and Ayutla. He has formed a nonprofit organization, Amigos y Vecinos (Friends & Neighbors) and will be working to place as many computers as possible. Troyer’s program to deliver surplus public safety equipment is called Mission to Mexico.

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