Video courtesy: LiteHaus International
AMP Tomorrow Maker and LiteHaus International founder Jack Growden has given students in regional Queensland a strong start to the school year through a donation of 50 computers.
The desktop computers, provided to students at Cairns’ Woree State High School and further south at Ravenshoe State School, were funded by AMP’s Tomorrow Fund. This Fund helps amazing Australians like Jack make a real difference in the community.
Now based in Townsville, the charity founder started bridging the digital divide back in 2017 while visiting a community in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Jack donated his personal laptop to the local school as a sign of gratitude for the community’s hospitality. He promised to return with 11 more.
At 20, Jack founded LiteHaus International to ensure young people in rural and remote communities had access to the technology needed for the best possible education. When COVID-19 hit, Jack turned his attention to students in his own state who didn’t have tech devices at home.
AMP Tomorrow Maker and LiteHaus International founder Jack Growden (R) is working to bridge the digital divide for students.
The response to the launch of his Digital Inclusion Program, confirmed more work was required to help bridge the technology divide for students in more remote parts of Australia.
Earlier this month, Jack was on hand to help Woree State High School Principal Kathryn Todd and her staff unpack a pallet of 25 desktop computers, having delivered another 25 to Ravenshoe.
When the two schools were forced to close due to the impacts of COVID-19, the technology disadvantage became evident. Fewer than one-in-five students at Woree State High School owned a personal device and almost none of the students at Ravenshoe State School had access to online learning tools.
The LiteHaus team hits the road to provide technology to students in regional communities.
To date, LiteHaus International has provided more than 120 digital devices to students at Woree and Ravenshoe.
“Most of the students here are coming from a very low socio-economic background,” Ravenshoe State School teacher David Chinofunga said.
“These devices will really go a long way in motivating them to continue engaging in school.”
Students at Woree State High School jump online thanks to the work of LiteHaus International and the AMP Foundation.
“The digital divide is a severe constraint to the development of future leaders within rural, regional and remote Australia,” Jack Growden added.
“We are proud to provide these students with the tools to learn, as well as the tools to dream.”
LiteHaus International was one of three small non-profits to benefit from an AMP Foundation Catalyser Christmas Appeal, which led to the charity receiving a $28,280 boost – including the AMP Foundation matching donations made by AMP employees and the wider community.
Help LiteHaus International bridge the digital divide by donating equipment, funds or volunteering - more here.
About AMP's Tomorrow Fund
AMP’s Tomorrow Fund is an initiative of the AMP Foundation, which is AMP’s philanthropic arm. The annual grants program aims to support determined individuals who are working hard on a project that will benefit the community but need help to take it to the next level.
Each year, AMP’s Tomorrow Fund awards $1 million in grants for a wide range of activities, including training, travel costs, living expenses and research. So far, 307 grants have been awarded.
Our 2021 Tomorrow Fund opens on 3 May, but amazing Australians can register their interest now at ampstomorrowfund.com.au
About the AMP Foundation
The AMP Foundation is one of the largest independently funded corporate foundations in Australia. Since 1992, it has distributed more than $100 million to the community.
Its goal is to help create a better tomorrow for Australians, by investing in community involvement and capacity-building programs and partnerships.
