Many primary schools in Kosovo now have computers, but typically, they are desktops that are kept under lock and key in a laboratory, limiting access by teachers and students. To address the problem, the USAID FORECAST Program has donated a mobile computer storage cart to 20 schools. The cart contains 32 laptops with wireless access for network connectivity, a projector and a printer. Student technicians trained by the USAID program will help with care and maintenance of the IT equipment.

In addition, Intel Corporation has donated 25 “Classmate” laptops to USAID’s Basic Education Program (BEP) for a pilot program to demonstrate the impact of having fulltime access to the internet in the classroom. The Kosovo Ministry of Education will monitor the pilot project for eight months, with USAID assistance. The results of the pilot will help the government make decisions about IT investments to improve schools. The pilot project will be implemented in a classroom renovated by parents and teachers under BEP. A local company has provided a printer for the classroom, and the U.S. Company Critical Links has agreed to provide a server.