FRIENDSHIPS are being forged across continents as an African school gets

to grips with computers donated by Chorley computer enthusiasts.

The village school in Watamu, Kenya recently took delivery of 30 PCs

collected by Chorley Computer club after an appeal last year in The

Citizen.

The equipment gave children and teachers their first opportunity to

access the internet and members of the club have been swapping emails

and handing out practical advice to the inexperienced users.

Jim Vale, vice-president of the club, said: "It's very exciting for us

to communicate online with the children and teachers over in Kenya. The

computers were shipped out in November but they have only been in

operation for the last few weeks.

"We are able to help with technical questions and advise how to get the

most out of the machines. Members of all ages have become involved and

even my eight-year-old granddaughter, Hannah Ely has been making friends

with some of the children online."

Chorley Computer Club meets every Tuesday at St Bede's church hall in

Clayton-le-Woods.

The club aims to promote an interest in the use of computers in Chorley

and the surrounding district and help members use and get the best from

their computers.

The transfer of the computer equipment was organised by Lancashire based

charity Children of Watamu whose aim is to put educational supplies into

African schools.

Sue Hayward, a director of the charity said: "What we saw on our

original visit were children sat on cold stone floors in buildings that

were broken down. Teachers must have hearts like lions to teach without

any pencils, paper, reading or exercise books.

"Since then we have been able to send over these supplies and now the

computers. I was over there a few weeks ago and the kids are thrilled

with the equipment.20

"The computers are in constant operation during the day and have also

given other schools and groups access to technology that was previously

unavailable."