Cargill Helps Computer Aid International Bridge Digital Divide in Zambia

Cargill Helps Computer Aid International Bridge Digital Divide in Zambia

COBHAM, England, December 8, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    Cargill's cotton business in collaboration with the King Edward VII Lancashire Cotton
Growing Endowment fund have donated over GBP26,000 to provide computer and internet access
for the Kampamule Basic School in the Katete district of Zambia.

    These 11 computers are part of the Zubabox - an innovative solar-powered container
which powers the computers and provides access to the internet via satellite link. It was
developed by Computer Aid International as a cost effective solution that would provide
access to computers and the internet for rural communities in the developing world.

    The ZubaBox requires no wired internet or electricity supply and is designed to be
shipped as one complete unit wherever it is installed.

    Speaking on behalf of Cargill, Andrew Thomas, Director Cargill Cotton Ltd UK said: "We
are really excited to be able to provide the Kampumule Basic School with what is in effect
an all-in-one computer library. Research shows that access to computers and the internet
can improve education and learning by 40-60%. This is particularly crucial in rural
communities where education opportunities may be limited."

    This investment means that students will have access to computer equipment and
internet access, greatly enhancing the scope and complexity of their learning. The Zubabox
will also provide the broader community with a resource outside school hours.

    Thomas continued: "We have been working with a large number of cotton farmers in
Katete district for many years and a lot of their children attend this school. We are
pleased to be continuing our investment in their community and enabling not just the
children but the broader community to reap the rewards of this innovative solution!"

    A local primary school in Lancashire will also link up with the Kampamule Basic
School.

    Notes for editors:

    About Cargill

    Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and
industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs
138,000 people in 63 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and
innovation, and is committed to sharing its global knowledge and experience to help meet
economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business.

    For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.

    About Cargill cotton

    Cargill's cotton business is one of the top cotton merchants in the world. Cargill's
UK cotton business is based in Liverpool, the traditional home of cotton trading and has
operations in Tashkent, Johannesburg, Harare, Chipata and Brisbane that specialise in
cotton procurement.

    Although cotton is grown in over 100 countries, there are only a handful of major
exporting countries and Cargill's cotton business is prominent in many of these countries.
Cargill's UK cotton business key supply areas are Central Asia, West Africa, sub-Saharan
Africa, Australia, and the Indian sub-continent.

   
    CONTACT:

    Wendy Garbutt: +44(0)1932-861174
    wendy_garbutt@cargill.com

Source: Cargill

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