Bill Gates, pioneer in the field of microcomputing, is the most relevant person who can use Internet for a pro-social purpose.
Known as the richest man in the world, he created his Foundation in order to fight against poverty in third world countries. Just retired from Microsoft (since the 27th June of 2008), he now entirely devotes himself to his Foundation.
He created the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, with the objective to bring to the world population innovations as regards Health and Knowledge. Besides, he announced he will bequeath 95% of his fortune to his Foundation.
What is next is only one example of all to what his Foundation works for.
Mobiles classrooms reach rural Mexico
When Mireya Jimenez Rivera heard that Vasconcelos was coming to rural Cazones, Mexico, to teach computer and Internet skills, she thought it would be a great learning opportunity for her four children. But soon she was in the classroom herself. Vasconcelos helped Jimenez communicate online with her husband, who has been living and working in the United States for eight years. "I learned how to chat, how to create an email address, and how to search for information," she said. "I never thought that I would be able to learn these things.
The Vasconcelo Program : Jimenez is one of thousands of people who have benefited from the Vasconcelos Program, recipient of the foundation's 2008 Access to Learning Award. Created and managed by the secretary of education of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, the program provides computer access and training to underserved communities throughout the state. The Vasconcelos Program works to empower individuals and communities in Veracruz by helping people build technology skills that can improve their lives. Vasconcelos uses 24 all-terrain buses to bring computer access and learning opportunities to the state's underserved areas. These state-of-the-art mobile classrooms are equipped with laptop computers, self-directing satellite dishes with Internet connectivity, networked servers, video projectors, interactive white boards, and back-up generators.
Some Figures : Vasconcelos has provided education and support to more than 120,000 people. The program has also trained staff from 75 community technology centers, which are now thriving. To meet increasing demand, Vasconcelos plans to serve more than 200,000 people with nearly 50 buses by 2010.
"[...] This is a unique moment in history : Scientific and technological advances are making it possible to solve big, complicated problems like never before. In this century, our world has the opportunity to fulfill the great human promise that all lives have equal value." (Bill and Melinda Gates)
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