Converge ICT Solutions has made significant strides in supporting under-resourced students by expanding eLearning access, enabling them to continue their education despite financial challenges. This initiative aims to provide reliable internet connectivity to students who have struggled with online learning due to a lack of resources.
The importance of education is deeply ingrained in the lives of incoming second-year college students Arvie Sino Cruz, Daniella Mae Adrales, Maristelle Quiñones, and Andrea Candice Alvarez. Their parents have always emphasized that education is a pathway to a prosperous future, uplifting not only their lives but also their families.
Despite their dedication to academic excellence, these students faced significant obstacles. With limited financial means, they relied on mobile data to meet school requirements. The transition to distance learning during the pandemic was particularly challenging as they could not afford premium fixed-line broadband plans. Arvie, a scholar at Far Eastern University studying Applied Mathematics – Information Technology Track, highlighted the importance of a stable internet connection for research, video-based learning, and communication with teachers and classmates.
“Sa course ko, sobrang importante ng internet kasi kailangan namin mag-research, at manonood ng videos para mag-advance study. Kailangan ko rin makipag-communicate sa teachers and classmates ko (In my course, the internet is extremely important because we need to do research and watch videos for advanced study. I also need to communicate with my teachers and classmates),” said Arvie.
Mobile reception in their area was poor, and mobile data expenses were comparable to postpaid internet costs, forcing them to frequently reload. Recognizing these difficulties, the community parish supporting the students reached out to Converge in 2021. In response, Converge provided free connectivity to these students until they completed their studies.
This support alleviated their concerns about internet disconnections during online classes. They now benefit from unlimited, reliable connectivity, essential for both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. Maristelle, a BA Communication student, recounted how she previously had to go outside or even climb onto the roof to find a signal. Thanks to Converge, she now enjoys consistent internet access at home.
“Sa bahay kasi namin, wala talagang signal kahit anong network. Sa dulo kasi ‘yung bahay namin so, dati, lalabas pa po ako ng bahay. Minsan, aakyat pa ako sa bubong para maghanap ng signal. Ngayon, abot na abot na po ‘yung internet (At our house, there’s really no signal from any network. Our house is at the far end, so before, I used to go outside. Sometimes, I even climbed onto the roof to find a signal. Now, the internet reaches us perfectly),” said Maristelle.
Daniella, an Internal Auditing student, shared that her entire family experienced the benefits of decent internet connectivity. Her siblings, still in junior high school, and her parents, who attend online church fellowships, also benefited from the improved connection. Andrea’s family, who used to spend almost half of her father’s monthly salary on prepaid Wi-Fi loads, also experienced significant relief.
Andrea emphasized the critical role of internet connectivity in accessing online resources and adapting to advancing technology. The support from Converge enabled these students to focus on their studies without the constant worry of exhausting their mobile data plans. This connectivity allowed them to complete their Senior High School with honors.
Inspired by these success stories, Converge recently launched the BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program. This initiative extends free fiber connectivity to incoming senior high school students enrolled in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track in public schools. Powered by its low-cost postpaid product BIDA Fiber, Converge aims to further bridge the digital divide and support students in achieving their academic dreams.
With initiatives like these, Converge continues to play a pivotal role in empowering students through technology, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their educational aspirations.