Richmond Hill, Ontario. 22 June 2020. Compugen is proud to support remote learning at a time of pandemic lockdown when many young people are missing their school friends, their teachers and the structured learning they are used to. Many communities and school children across Canada do not have access to devices in order to partake in remote learning. One such community was the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA).

This initiative to provide Métis families the technology they needed to connect virtually to classrooms during COVID-19 was led by Rupertsland Institute (RLI), supported by the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) and Compugen, where over 2,000 Hewlett-Packard Chromebooks were distributed to Métis students in Alberta that had limited access to online learning tools. With a tight timeline, Compugen acquired, packaged, and shipped the computers to hundreds of schools and homes across Alberta. Every package included a welcome letter signed by Métis Nation President, Audrey Poitras and Rupertsland Institute CEO, Lorne Gladu.

“It was a real honour working with the Rupertsland Centre for Teaching and Learning (RCTL) Team supporting Métis kids, families and communities in the Province of Alberta. Compugen's Educational Team will continue to work hard to ensure we’re doing everything we can to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis young people across Canada.” Ray Kebbi, Compugen Education Team Lead – Western Canada

Above L-R: Chad Kendall, Vice-Principal, Janice Muench, Principal, Tofield School, Tofield, Alberta

One school whose families will benefit is Tofield School, in Tofield, Alberta, part of the Battle River School Division based in Canmore.

Upon the arrival of the Chromebooks, Principal of the school Janice Muench, wrote to say, “[The HP Chromebooks] arrived today! This has made such a HUGE impact!”

Billie-Jo Grant, speaking on behalf of Rupertsland Institute, said, “It is an honour to serve our Nation and support our Métis citizens! We truly want our Métis students to know they are loved and supported wherever they are. Thank you to Compugen and their staff for making our vision a reality.”

Terry Mirza, Compugen’s VP of Sales, Canada West said, “We believe this work will improve the classroom experience, improve literacy and help teachers develop skills in remote delivery of education, and support families who want the best opportunities for their children. These aims are critical in the current context for Métis communities in Alberta. The developing skills and available technology are also essential to supporting lifelong learning for people from all communities - of all ages, interests and experience - across Canada.”