BHP : Petroleum to donate new laptops for students and teachers in Tamaulipas, Mexico

BHP Petroleum will donate nearly 900 laptop computers to better enable students and teachers in Tamaulipas to continue virtual education at home. The donation of US$338,000 will benefit 12 schools, 760 students and 136 teachers in the state of Tamaulipas.

The contribution was announced during a virtual event to celebrate a successful first year of the 'Schools that Learn' program, a partnership between BHP, Enseña por México (EPM), a non-profit organization working to resolve educational inequity, and the Ministry of Education of the Tamaulipas state government. The program launched in February 2020 and aims to improve education for children living in Tamaulipas through high-quality training for local teachers and engagement with students. This partnership seeks to share innovative practices and academic strategies, as well as establish collective learning spaces for teachers and administrators, which will provide more educational opportunities for the students in the southern region of the state and their community. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the program has continued to plan, engaging hundreds of teachers and students.

Speaking at the virtual event, Timothy Callahan, Director of BHP Mexico, said the program underscored BHP's commitment to support Tamaulipas: 'This year has been very difficult for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for teachers and students who have adapted to teach and learn in new ways. High quality education is key to the development and well-being of any community and we are excited to provide more technology needed for virtual learning. BHP is committed to providing support to communities where we operate and to strengthen long-term relationships in Mexico.'

Since arriving in Mexico, BHP has prioritized working with government authorities, associations and civil society, for the benefit of the communities. In the past two years, BHP has committed more than US $2 million to civil organizations and associations with the aim of contributing to the wellbeing of Tamaulipas and Mexico. This includes the US $1.24 million, three-year partnership with EPM, as well as partnerships with Cáritas de Tampico, Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Tamaulipas, Cruz Roja Mexicana and Fundación Mexicana para la Salud.