AOL replaces computers stolen from school

A MAJOR computer multinational with an unrivalled track record for problem solving and troubleshooting has thrown a Waterford school a lifeline.

Pupils at Passage East in Waterford were left without a single PC earlier this year when thugs broke into their school, stealing computers and damaging property.

But AOL has come to the school’s aid, with a replacement batch of computers for its bright young pupils.

The multinational, which has a massive Waterford operation, was delighted to lend a helping hand, according to communications manager with AOL Elaine Connolly.

“Every year we ask staff to identify initiatives that benefit local community requirements. We were delighted to help out with this worthwhile initiative,” she said.

And principal at Passage East John Burke was thrilled with the generous donation. “We are delighted to be back online here and the children are excited to be able to get back to computer lessons again. Getting a donation of these computers is fantastic,” the principal said.

“The school was so badly damaged that it had to close for a week and we still have to recoup software and art and craft materials that were also destroyed,” he added.

AOL opened its current operations in Waterford in 1998.

It employs 750 people.

AOL services 2.4 million members in Britain, dealing with up to 30,000 calls per day from the Waterford base.