Dear members of the Shipley community:

As many of you may have read in the most recent Shipley Bulletin, Brian Halloran (’02) has committed much of his post-graduation efforts to date to training teachers in Mozambique.  I was struck by the passion and commitment evidenced in Brian’s words in the article.  I taught Brian as a member of my geometry class back in 1997 – 98.  He is certainly demonstrating a “compassionate participation in the world,” and “a concern for others… in the larger community;” two core values of Shipley’s Mission.

As I read the article, it became clear how invested Brian is in bringing justice and equality to the educational system in Mozambique.  His task seems daunting, yet Brian is upbeat and positive in his approach to effecting change.  He mentions sitting in front of a donated computer, and the fact that the program in which he is involved is a “successful growing project but it needs more support from outside sources.”  It left me wondering what I could do to help him in his efforts. 

I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Brian during his winter break, prior to his return to Massachusetts, this time to train a new group of team members for deployment to Mozambique.   In our discussion, it became readily apparent that technology could be one of the driving factors in making the teacher training facility in Mozambique more successful.  Specifically, they desperately need computers to facilitate the education of future native teachers in Mozambique.

To this end, Brian and I felt as though there may be some members of the Shipley community who have old laptop computers that they would be willing to donate to the teacher training facility in Mozambique.  While I certainly realize that this is a remarkable request, I also recognize that given the need to constantly keep up with technology many of us may have outdated laptop computers that are lying idle.  If you do have an old laptop computer that you would be willing to contribute toward Brian’s cause, please bring them to your respective division’s reception areas.  I will collect the laptops to give to Brian, who will in turn give them to the new team he has just trained to take to Mozambique in early June.

In summary, we are looking for contributions of old laptops.  The laptops can be any brand/model/platform.  The only requirement is that the laptop is in working order.  Batteries and AC adapters for the laptop are accessories that would also be appreciated.   At this time, we do not need donations of desktop computers, monitors, printers, mice, or keyboards.  You can bring your old laptop to the Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School reception areas during the weeks prior to Spring Break, from March 8th to March 18th.  I would also appreciate it if you would kindly affix a piece of paper with your name to the laptop so that I can express my thanks to you for your generosity.

This is a genuine opportunity for some of us to support a member of our community who is making a positive change in the world.  If you have any questions, concerns, or other ideas, please do not hesitate to contact to me at 610 525 4300 x4216 or by email at jberberian@shipleyschool.org.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Josh Berberian
Upper School Service Coordinator

Read more about Brian's work in "From The Bulletin"