Arrow Electronics Expands Support for DigiTruck and Neema International in Tanzania

Dec 17, 2020 12:00 PM ET

CENTENNIAL, Colo., December 17, 2020 /3BL Media/ – Arrow Electronics is reaffirming its commitment to Neema International, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children with the help of technology. Arrow has selected Neema as a 2020 holiday charity and will support the nonprofit’s computer education and scholarship programs in 2021.

Neema operates in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its facilities include an Arrow DigiTruck technology classroom. 

Arrow partnered with nonprofit Close the Gap to finance the construction of the DigiTruck mobile classroom and equip it with laptops, printers, routers, tablets, a flat-screen monitor and solar panels for off-grid power. DigiTruck offers a technology-based curriculum to help students improve skills needed for success in the 21st century economy.

Contributions from Arrow employees have supported five students per year in a scholarship program called Five for Five.  Two of the original “Five for Five” scholars plan to attend college in 2021.

“Back in 2015, Arrow Electronics helped put Neema on the map, making it possible for the organization and all our children to have the chance to reach their full potential,” said Mandy Stein, Neema International’s founder and executive director. “I look forward to seeing the amazing new things all our students will do with Arrow by our side.”

DigiTruck is part of Neema’s broader menu of programs serving more than 230 children as young as six months. 

During the global coronavirus pandemic, Neema expanded its offerings, including: 

  • A women empowerment social enterprise, in which Neema employs local women to sew cloth masks, zippered clutches, and reusable grocery bags in colorful traditional patterns. These are available for online purchase at Neema Bags on Etsy or visit  Neema International

  • Construction of two supervised “safe house” residences for boys and girls so they can resume their studies without community exposure to COVID-19. 

  • Delivery of emergency food and sanitizing products to each child they serve and their families, as well as study-at-home packets.

  • More scholarships for older students attending private secondary schools, vocational certification, and universities. 

Arrow has worked with Neema since 2015.

About Arrow Electronics 

Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) guides innovation forward for over 175,000 leading technology manufacturers and service providers. With 2019 sales of $29 billion, Arrow develops technology solutions that improve business and daily life. Learn more at FiveYearsOut.com.

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