Bridging the digital divide: Parramatta Marist High gifts 12 laptops to their peers at St Joseph’s, Solomon Islands

maristbrothers
3 hours ago
1 min read

What began as a simple request from St Joseph’s School in the Solomon Islands has grown into a heartfelt act of generosity and friendship - a true reflection of the Marist spirit in the Pacific. Thanks to the combined efforts of Parramatta Marist High School in Sydney and its supportive parent community, 30 laptops are now helping bridge the digital divide for students in need in the Solomon Islands, writes Mark Pauschmann, Executive Director of Province Ministeries.

The laptop donation initiative began after Jeoffrey Poea, Principal of St Joseph’s School in the Solomon Islands, reached out to Br Chris Wills from Bridge Builders and other Marist Ministries, explaining that access to laptops would make a real difference for his students.

We reached out to Dr Gavin Hayes, Principal of Parramatta Marist High School, Sydney, to see if they had any spare devices and from there, the idea quickly gained momentum.

**Students from Parramatta Marist High School, Sydney, and St Joseph’s School, Tenaru, Solomon Islands.**

Word spread among the school community and thanks to the generosity of some parents, 30 second-hand laptops were sourced. These were all formatted for school use, with 12 delivered by the Parramatta Marist immersion group and the remaining 18 to be sent via post. It’s been a great example of practical solidarity and collaboration across our Marist network.