2 hours, 1 minute ago
By The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - A network of philanthropists, business leaders and government are distributing 5,000 kid-proof laptops to children in aboriginal communities across Canada.

The specially designed laptops are low-cost, low-power devices, about the size of a textbook and meant to be used in remote areas.

They come with built-in wireless capacity and a glare-free screen that can easily be used outside.

Each computer is loaded with customized child-centred programming meant to encourage literacy, health and learning about science, finances and aboriginal culture.

Cree singer Buffy Sainte-Marie helped develop the programming.

Led by the Belinda Stronach Foundation, the donor group includes the Ontario government, the Bank of Montreal and nickel giant Vale, among others.

The effort is the Canadian part of a global campaign, One Laptop Per Child.

"I believe strongly in combining the power of technology and education and investing in our young people," Stronach said in a statement. "Aboriginal kids should have the same opportunities as every other child in Canada."