Citibank donates computer labs to public schools

Krus na Ligas High School in Quezon City will be the beneficiary of this year’s Citibank Computer Laboratory Project.

Citibank will install a complete computer lab outfitted with over 20 brand-new personal computers, including peripherals, in the public high school to improve its computer education program.

Citibank’s donation, however, does not end with the equipment and facilities. Beyond the hardware donation, Citibank specialists will also take time off from work to donate their time and knowledge in conducting training sessions for the students.

Krus na Ligas High School will be the sixth school that will benefit from Citibank’s efforts at raising computer literacy in public high schools. The project is being done in coordination with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

Another public high school in Cebu is also being considered as a beneficiary this year. Last year, four public high schools in Metro Manila and one in Cebu benefited from the program.

Citibank will also upgrade one of last year’s donated labs to provide Internet access and allow the students to perform more advanced functions.

Citibank’s Computer Laboratory Project stems from the bank’s commitment to help raise the quality of public school education, especially in the fields of technology and finance.

Recently, Citibank also participated in Sky Foundation’s Knowledge Channel Cabling Project wherein various public schools were given access to excellent educational materials and programs on the Knowledge Channel.

The employee volunteerism component of the computerization project is something that the bank’s employees are looking forward to.

Catherine Weir, Citibank country corporate officer, says, "Citibank employees have had a long history of volunteerism and of participating in our community endeavors. In fact, one prerequisite for determining our community programs is the availability of volunteerism options for our employees. They are very eager and enthusiastic. The information technology group, for instance, has been scouting around for an outreach program that they can adopt. I think this particular project is the right fit."