Laptop donations for Milwaukee kids; 'It’s a door to possibilities'

Laptop donations for Milwaukee kids

Dozens of Milwaukee students were surprised on Friday, Sept. 29 with laptops.

MILWAUKEE - Dozens of Milwaukee students were surprised on Friday, Sept. 29 with laptops.

"It was a really big surprise for us," said Ariel Hang. "I don’t get that much often."

The Hmong American Friendship Association and AT&T partnered to give away the refurbished laptops. To qualify, the kids successfully completed three digital literacy classes. 

Low income families visit the association for free internet access to complete their homework.

"I think it’s really important; a laptop costs quite a bit," said Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy, the executive director of the Hmong American Friendship Association. "Our families are low income; that’s the last thing on their minds."

They now give kids more than just access to the web.

"You know what’s in this box. It’s a door. It’s a door to possibilities, to opportunities, it's a door to your future," said Robyn Gruner, Director of External Affairs for AT&T. 

Hmong youth have ideas for how they'll use the new laptops.

"For my school work and maybe use it for movies if I have Netflix," said Hang.

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"It’ll help me a little bit more because now I have my own Chromebook," said Olivia Chang. "I can search stuff on and learn about different things."

The Hmong American Friendship Association hopes this is a step in the direction of solving Milwaukee's digital divide.

"Right now, learning to surf the web is like learning to read and write in the old days," Kiatoukaysy said.

The goal is to set up young people for success. 

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The Hmong American Friendship Association has an internet cafe. The free internet access helps low-income student do their homework.