DXC increases technology access for students in The Philippines

Working for an employer that gives back to the communities it serves can prove very rewarding.

DXC Technology is donating 300 laptops to 18 schools across the Kidapawan district in Mindanao, in partnership with LiteHaus International, and Energy Development Corporation (EDC), as part of DXC's Digital Futures Program.

Following the success of the program in Australia, which focuses on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities, DXC is now expanding the program into Asia Pacific starting with this initiative in the Philippines.

Bridging digital divide with tools and opportunities

LiteHaus International is an Australian NGO bridging the digital divide through its Digital Infrastructure Program which has provided 105,000 people across the developing world with digital learning tools and opportunities. In 2022, LiteHaus International partnered with leading renewable energy firm, EDC to identify and address digital poverty in the Philippines. To bring the ambitions of the partnership to reality, LiteHaus International put a call-out for digital devices and DXC responded.

“DXC’s Digital Futures Program was established to improve access to technology, literacy, education and employment within communities in need. It is based on the simple premise of acquiring refurbished laptops and redistributing them to students, schools and communities across the Asia-Pacific region. Programs like this are successful because our colleagues, customers, and partners share our vision and commitment to stewardship and sustainability,” said DXC Technology President of Asia Pacific, Seelan Nayagam.

Creating enhanced learning environment in schools

To date, DXC’s Digital Futures Program has impacted over 800 students, providing technology to foundations, not-for-profit organisations, schools, community student programs, community-controlled health services and community councils. This latest laptop donation in the Philippines will create an enhanced learning environment, benefitting close to 10,000 students and teachers in the Mindanao region.

“We are thrilled to see our partnership with DXC Technology, founded on a shared vision for a digitally-empowered world, have an impact on the lives of thousands of students here in the Philippines. The deep connection which our local partners, Energy Development Corporation, have with communities in the Kidapawan area will ensure that the 300 laptops which DXC is donating will go to good use,” said LiteHaus International Founder & CEO, Jack Growden.

“In this collaboration, DXC will provide refurbished laptops to LiteHaus International, who along with EDC, will manage the logistics of distribution and ignite interest within the communities we are connecting with. Working with our customers and partners on this program means they get the opportunity to donate refurbished devices and participate in meaningful community projects, whilst meeting their ESG goals. Collectively, our aim is to increase digital inclusivity and improve socio-economic outcomes for as many communities that will benefit from our program,” said DXC Technolog Asia Pacific Digital Futures Program Lead, Stuart Meadley.

“Through EDC’s Sikat Program, we currently work with 127 schools across EDC’s geothermal sites in the Philippines to provide quality education to underprivileged yet deserving students from partner communities. The 300 laptops from DXC Technology will place a world of digital opportunities right at the heart of the 18 schools selected for this initiative. We are delighted to be partnering with DXC and LiteHaus International in making a positive difference by connecting students through technology, reducing barriers, and providing them with a platform that contributes to their educational success,” said Energy Development Corporation Assistant Vice President and Corporate Relations & Communications Head, Allan Barcena.

Overseeing the implementation phase

Beyond the donation of laptops, LiteHaus International and EDC will oversee the implementation phase which will include setting up computer labs in the selected schools, software licensing and access to offline educational materials where applicable.

Sustainable and responsible business practices

Globally, DXC is committed to building sustainable and responsible business practices, and through a circular economy approach, the organization is re-using or recycling 99% of its IT equipment, supporting a target of zero e-waste to landfill.