Computers for Pathway Students in Africa

Can you believe it? “Amazon did not deliver my Glitter Gucci sneakers in less than 24 hours!”

Can you believe it? “My Tiffany tennis ball can was delivered to my neighbor. And it was a weekend!”

Can you believe it? “My favorite soda isn’t available at the grocery store due to supply chain problems?”

Can you believe it? It took until June 10, 2023, for the last of 219 computers awarded in The Lord's Hands January 2023 computer scholarship campaign to be delivered.

Yes, The Lord’s Hands has supply chain problems, too.

However, these computers will do things no Glitter Gucci sneakers could ever aspire to do. THESE COMPUTERS WILL CHANGE LIVES! They will enable diligent African students to complete university assignments that were impossible on semi-smart phones. These computers will enable African Pathway students to earn university degrees and lift their families out of poverty.

Why did they take so long to be delivered? The challenge of delivering computers in Africa makes our American grocery store supply chain problems appear simple.

1. Computers are shipped from the United States. Originally, we bought refurbished computers from DRC and Kenya. However, the quality and prices were inconsistent. We now have a very dependable source of excellent refurbished computers in Utah.
2. Most African countries are not shipping destinations due to government corruption. It’s just not possible. We only ship to a select few cities, such as Nairobi. Then they are distributed to other areas.
3. Computers are awarded to the best Pathway students, NOT to the most convenient addresses. Remote villages are hours away from city centers.
4. Nothing like our postal system exists. Students are isolated and addresses may be improvised, recognized only by the local community. Computers must be personally delivered.
5. They are delivered by unpaid, volunteers --- our Trusted Contacts.
6. The Trusted Contacts are amazing! Sometimes the students gather in a central location to be awarded their computers. Other times, the Trusted Contact will drive hours on dangerous roads to deliver a computer.
7. We were unable to deliver 12 computers in Uganda and 9 in Rwanda due to new government customs policies. We are finding a way to purchase computers locally in Rwanda and Uganda and award the computers that were earned by wonderful, patient students.

YOU ARE THE ESSENTIAL LINK IN OUR SUPPLY CHAIN!

**You unselfishly donate.

**Computers, purchased in Utah, arrive in Africa.

**Trusted Contacts distribute computers to major areas, then to small cities and remote areas, and finally to individual students.

**Students have the computer to complete classes and to earn university certificates and degrees.

**Students receive better employment, families are supported, and communities are improved.

**LIVES ARE CHANGED FOREVER.

**Can you believe it?