For the past four days, 120 students between ages 11 and 19 have been at Price Barracks in Ladyville learning how to assemble computers. And they did it; with instruction from Duke University professors, they assembled 20 computers. Today they received certificates recognizing their accomplishments. The programme was led by Dr. Arlie Petters who says these students are the leaders of a homegrown technology revolution. And speaking with a few of them, we believe him.

Dr. Arlie Petters, Professor - Duke University
"...right through to nineteen year olds going inside a computer and understanding the components and the functions. Who are going to be the disseminators of technology in the future? Our standard five, standard six, and high school students. And so we want to generate a culture of technology among all of our kids."

Vince Castillo, Participant
"In the computer course this week I learnt many things. I learnt how to set up the computer by inserting the different chips so the computer could work and also we know how to program the computer to different Windows, for example Windows XP."

Kaeli Wilson, Participant
"In elementary school they kind of taught of us the things about input and output and all the processing and storage but they didn't teach us how to open a computer and fix it up."

Vince Castillo,
"This will help me a lot. I know because computers are my things too."

Jules Vasquez,
If I gave you a computer of only parts right now, you could assemble it for me?

Marion Avila, Participant
"Yes."

Jules Vasquez,
So you could open a business?

Marion Avila,
"Yes sir."

Jules Vasquez,
And what would you do in that business?

Marion Avila,
"Make money."

Dr. Arlie Petters,
"Why is this important, the first step is you demystify the inside of a computer for our young people. The next step is we now begin to build our own computers but we will tailor it to the setting of Belize. We will be able to create our technology now. And so the idea is not just to look inside a computer and screw up some parts but to now use innovation to assemble them in new ways. And in addition to that, we are going to have our young people design computers that will fit the business needs of Belize, that will fit the military needs of Belize, that will fit the educational needs and not only that, we are imagining designing computers that can handle the humidity and the dust that is the reality of our environments."

10 of the computers will go to the school in Arenal Village that we showed you yesterday and ten will go to the Muslim School in Belize City.