Google Helping Syrian Refugees With $5.3 Million Chromebook Grant For Project Reconnect
Google's philanthropic arm, Google.org, is partnering with NetHope to help Syrian refugees in Germany get acclimated to their new environment and take advantage of educational opportunities. The effort consists of a $5.3 million grant to support and fund the launch of Project Reconnect, a program designed to equip nonprofits working with refugees with Chromebooks.
Chromebooks have found a niche in the education sector due to their low cost of ownership and ease of use. They thrive when connected to the Internet, as Chromebooks rely heavily on Google's many cloud-based services, like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and so forth. They're also relatively easy to setup and configure.
Google's hoping that by providing refugees with Chromebooks, they'll be able to continue whatever studies they might have been pursuing before fleeing their homeland.
"As they make it through a dangerous journey, the first thing refugees need is to find shelter, food and access to care. But soon enough, they have to learn the local language, acquire skills to work in a new country, and figure out a way to continue their studies—all in an effort to reclaim and reconnect with the lives they had before," Google said in a blog post.
The $5.3 million effort will translate into 25,000 managed Chromebooks. Each nonprofit can apply for a grant of up to 5,000 Chromebooks, but they must do so by February 8, 2016. Distribution of the first round of Chromebooks will begin on March 1, 2016.
Chromebooks have found a niche in the education sector due to their low cost of ownership and ease of use. They thrive when connected to the Internet, as Chromebooks rely heavily on Google's many cloud-based services, like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and so forth. They're also relatively easy to setup and configure.
Google's hoping that by providing refugees with Chromebooks, they'll be able to continue whatever studies they might have been pursuing before fleeing their homeland.
"As they make it through a dangerous journey, the first thing refugees need is to find shelter, food and access to care. But soon enough, they have to learn the local language, acquire skills to work in a new country, and figure out a way to continue their studies—all in an effort to reclaim and reconnect with the lives they had before," Google said in a blog post.
The $5.3 million effort will translate into 25,000 managed Chromebooks. Each nonprofit can apply for a grant of up to 5,000 Chromebooks, but they must do so by February 8, 2016. Distribution of the first round of Chromebooks will begin on March 1, 2016.
