Just read (Chinese) proposal of financial assistance to students for internet access by Charles Mok. To get additional internet usage, a HK student sometimes occupies computer at public libraries or MTR stations. According to regulation of use of computers at HK public library, students under 18 must be accompanied by her parents to access internet in the library. It shows the fact is:

• Computer and internet are essential to HK students.
• Some homeworks must be finished with computer & internet by HK students.
• Some HK students doesn't own a computer, or they cannot afford the cost of residential internet service.

So, it is lack of available computer and internet services to these students, and this affect their learning. It reminded me that, in the past active years of Hong Kong Linux User Group (HKLUG), some key members would like to setup a Linux Cafe (aka a Linux center) for the promotion of Linux/OSS, and it also serves as the site of HKLUG, but it was cancelled because of lack of resources, supports and fundings.

In latest government budget announced last month, 63 millions dollars are spent to educate teenagers how to use internet in safe and correct. I think all or part of this budget should be spend to startup Linux centers in Tin Shui Wai and some other districts. The concept of "Linux Cafe" is a site with a number of Linux computers for people access internet, and promotion of open-source software and open technology. Proposed Linux centers should be:

• opened in 7 days a week.
• all PC installed with Linux OS
• Firefox is installed for web browseing
• OpenOffice.org for documents, spreadsheet, presentation slides editing
• Seminiars and Meetups can be arranged to promote Linux, open-source software and knowledge of internet applications
• To invite OSS developers to promote/introduce their OSS projects and open technologies.
• etc.

And the following problem occurs in the past:

• a site: Most difficult because rental cost is required. And $1-rental scheme doesn't benefit local Linux/OSS community.
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• computers: Can be solved by recycle campaign of old P3/P4 computers.
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• operation cost: funding support is required for electricity cost, and paid on-site staffs for long opening hours, etc.
•  

Labour and skill-set to startup a Linux center could be supported by some Linux/OSS supporters and OAKA. And I hopes this idea can be achieved soon. References: linuxcaffe at Toronto, Canada Linux Cafe at Akihabara, Japan