Hello all,<br><br>Hope all is well. Preparations for our upcoming OLPC deployment is underway, and we are truly thankful for all those who are pitching in! Special shoutout to Kiran Budhrani and Ana Banaag who helped with the Training Sessions! Many of you requested to join the training, but unfortunately, we couldn't accommodate all of you. I promise there will be other opportunity to pitch in with Lubang and other deployments.<br>
<br>However, we need to make another call for help. This time around we need help with navigating <b>Philippines Bureau of Customs</b>. So far, our project sponsors have raised enough funds to purchase 100 XO laptops for two schools in Lubang, Mindoro. However, there is a strong possibility that customs may charge us up to <b>40 percent</b> of the value of the <b>donated laptops</b>. This is an additional $9200. This is simply unacceptable :(<br>
<br>There are a couple of challenges to take into consideration:<br><ol><li>Only one option for Cargo Forwarder: DHL</li><li>Port of Origin: Shanghai<br></li><li>XO Laptops cannot be delivered within mainland China. Laptops must be delivered directly from the factory to the Philippines.</li>
<li>We are also exploring delivery of laptops from (Shanghai -> Hong Kong -> Philippines)<br></li></ol>So dig deep into your networks :) If you are knowledgeable about customs, or know anyone that can help, please contact us at <u><a href="mailto:rletada@ekindling.org">rletada@ekindling.org</a></u>. We would truly appreciate your help. <br>
<br>Thanks again community - we could not do this without you!<br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Ryan L.<br>eKindling Team and Coffee-Addict<br><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ekindling">www.twitter.com/ekindling</a> | <a href="http://www.ekindling.org">www.ekindling.org</a><br>
<br>" A mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a flame to be kindled" - Plutarch<br>