Education in hospitals becomes a reality in Russia

Global Citizenship

Supporting information:

For many children receiving treatment for onco-hematological diseases, the ability to continue with their education falls by the wayside. It becomes impossible to learn from the hospital bed.

At the Research Institute of Oncology in Moscow, however, children have been given the opportunity to continue with their education thanks to essential IT equipment donated by HP Russia.

HP Russia has been working closely with the Children of Russia Philanthropy Fund, a non-profit international organisation that supports children suffering from diseases such as leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Through the organisation, HP has provided laptops for a virtual classroom serving ten rehabilitation rooms within the Institute. Wireless internet access has also been provided by an additional partner called User +.

Keeping up with the class

Using HP notebooks, children who are based at the Institute’s hospital wing can now follow the national curriculum and keep in contact with classmates and teachers online. School educational programmes are available by accessing a Russian school portal Teleshkola, where dedicated education software helps children to complete their assignments.

The hospital virtual classroom is the first of its kind to be supported by HP Russia and was opened at the Institute on 1 September, also known as ‘Knowledge Day’, when all school children in Russia return to school. Knowledge Day is celebrated as a public holiday and dedicated to knowledge, education and the value of learning.

Irina Zimnukhova is the director of the Therapeutic Pedagogy and Differential Education Centre ‘Vozrozhdenije’ (meaning ‘Rebirth’) which is based at the Oncology Institute. She said: “Hope is a powerful medicine and, for children receiving treatment at the hospital, it makes a tremendous difference to be able to take part in classes and stay in touch with their classmates. 

Continued support

HP Russia invests heavily in social projects across the country. Our extensive educational programme provides grants for both schools and universities to improve and develop their facilities and teaching capabilities. Supporting new initiatives such as virtual classrooms in hospitals emphasises our strong focus on furthering education for people of all ages, situations and backgrounds.

October 2006 issue

Global Citizenship Reports 2006 (*)

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