UPDATED STORY - DHS Student Starts 'Laptop Without Borders' Initiative

DECORAH -- Jack Sovern, a DHS junior, is looking for donated laptops to refurbish for Laptops Without Borders, an initiative which aims to provide free technology to local ELL children. "I think that every person deserves access to technology," Sovern said. "In 2016, access to the internet was deemed a human right by the United Nations. For many in this town, this is an easy right to attain. But for some, including the many immigrants that we welcome, it is much more difficult." Sovern has been interested in computers since early childhood. "I would play railroad games with my dad probably starting at age four," he said. "That started my journey toward computers. I built my first computer at age 11 or 12. It was like Legos but very expensive Legos." Inspiration for Laptops Without Borders struck late Feb of this year. "Swim season had ended and I thought 'what should I be doing?'" Sovern said. "My family knows I love computers and I had collected some old laptops over time. I asked my mom what I could do with them and she suggested working with Immigration Working Group." Immigration Working Group, a local immigration resource organization, provides valuable support to Sovern's initiative, both personally and financially. "Margaret Betteridge and Steve Peterson are both involved with this group," Sovern said. "Margaret has been very supportive of the project. Her daughter was my babysitter growing up. We're family friends. Steve was my fifth-grade teacher and has donated $200 toward my cause." Sovern is off to a strong start with the initiative. "I currently have eight laptops refurbished and ready to be donated," he said. "I have seven kids at the high school lined up to present the laptops to on March 28th. I've contacted their families to receive permission. I'll talk to the kids about the technology, how it's no strings attached, and get them started." After this initial bestowment of laptops, the plan for growth is optimistic. "Once the seven high-schoolers receive laptops, the next goal includes 12 at the middle school, and 20+ at John Cline Elementary," Sovern said. "These numbers come from ELL class numbers. I plan to expand out to Postville once Decorah goals are achieved and go from there." Sovern encourages the community to be involved in the initiative. "I always want to learn more and get better," he said. "I can't currently accept Macs but I would take anything else. I am looking for as many donations as the community can provide!" Work done on donated laptops will include wiping all data and cleaning, repairing, and refurbishing them. These computers will then be loaded with educational software, productivity apps, a web browser, and many other tools, including a user-friendly software installer. For any questions or donations, call 563 419-1114 or email decorahlaptops@gmail.com.