Computers for Pathway Students in Africa

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Although the origin of this quote is uncertain, the meaning is universally understood.

BYU-PATHWAY IS THE TEACHER.

BYU-Pathway Worldwide was developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a means for students throughout the world to obtain higher education through on-line preparatory classes and university courses. A strong belief in higher education for everyone, everywhere in the world motivated the Church to spend over $1,000,000,000 in 2022 on education. BYU-Pathway provides access to accredited university degrees in over 180 countries at a significantly reduced cost. Africa is the top geographical growth area and comprises half of all the international student enrollment in BYU-Pathway.

But fishing is more successful with tools, such as a net or a rod, rather than bare hands.

THE LORD’S HANDS PROVIDES THE TOOLS.

Education is more successful with modern tools, such as computers, rather than with out-of-date phones. Dr. John D. Wilson, International Area Director of BYU-Pathway World, wrote, “Technology constraints, such as having no access to a computer, are among the top roadblocks to our students enrolling, completing their certificates/degrees, and obtaining gainful employment. BYU-Pathway’s efforts to enroll and retain students are enhanced by The Lord’s Hands providing computers to these economically challenged students”

There were 1259 applicants to The Lord’s Hands summer campaign. The need and interest are great in Africa. 779 of the applicants were male and 480 were female. 243 computers were awarded to students from 23 African countries! 67% of the computers were awarded to males and 33% to females. For the first time, 3 applicants from Ethiopia were awarded computers!

YOU CONTRIBUTE THE MONEY TO BUY THE TOOLS.

However, about 350 excellent students, who met our basic criteria of a 3.5 GPA, an essay, video, and plan of service, did not receive the tools they need and deserve to facilitate their progress in education. Why? The Lord’s Hands depends upon the generosity of our donors. We need more donors like you to provide more computers.

Through your generous contributions, The Lord’s Hands has awarded 1013 computers to outstanding students in 27 different African countries in 2 ½ years.

THE LORD’S HANDS HAS THE GOAL TO AWARD 1000 COMPUTERS IN 2024.

WITH YOUR HELP, IT WILL BE DONE!

Links:

• http://thelordshands.org

Can you believe it? “Amazon did not deliver my Glitter Gucci sneakers in less than 24 hours!”

Can you believe it? “My Tiffany tennis ball can was delivered to my neighbor. And it was a weekend!”

Can you believe it? “My favorite soda isn’t available at the grocery store due to supply chain problems?”

Can you believe it? It took until June 10, 2023, for the last of 219 computers awarded in The Lord's Hands January 2023 computer scholarship campaign to be delivered.

Yes, The Lord’s Hands has supply chain problems, too.

However, these computers will do things no Glitter Gucci sneakers could ever aspire to do. THESE COMPUTERS WILL CHANGE LIVES! They will enable diligent African students to complete university assignments that were impossible on semi-smart phones. These computers will enable African Pathway students to earn university degrees and lift their families out of poverty.

Why did they take so long to be delivered? The challenge of delivering computers in Africa makes our American grocery store supply chain problems appear simple.

1. Computers are shipped from the United States. Originally, we bought refurbished computers from DRC and Kenya. However, the quality and prices were inconsistent. We now have a very dependable source of excellent refurbished computers in Utah.
2. Most African countries are not shipping destinations due to government corruption. It’s just not possible. We only ship to a select few cities, such as Nairobi. Then they are distributed to other areas.
3. Computers are awarded to the best Pathway students, NOT to the most convenient addresses. Remote villages are hours away from city centers.
4. Nothing like our postal system exists. Students are isolated and addresses may be improvised, recognized only by the local community. Computers must be personally delivered.
5. They are delivered by unpaid, volunteers --- our Trusted Contacts.
6. The Trusted Contacts are amazing! Sometimes the students gather in a central location to be awarded their computers. Other times, the Trusted Contact will drive hours on dangerous roads to deliver a computer.
7. We were unable to deliver 12 computers in Uganda and 9 in Rwanda due to new government customs policies. We are finding a way to purchase computers locally in Rwanda and Uganda and award the computers that were earned by wonderful, patient students.

YOU ARE THE ESSENTIAL LINK IN OUR SUPPLY CHAIN!

**You unselfishly donate.

**Computers, purchased in Utah, arrive in Africa.

**Trusted Contacts distribute computers to major areas, then to small cities and remote areas, and finally to individual students.

**Students have the computer to complete classes and to earn university certificates and degrees.

**Students receive better employment, families are supported, and communities are improved.

**LIVES ARE CHANGED FOREVER.

**Can you believe it?