This past January (2010) I traveled to Nicaragua with some laptops donated by various departments here at Cornell University. These (old, by our standard) laptops were put to use at Biblioteca La Chispa and are now forming the core of the new cyber cafe in the library. Besides providing internet access to this underserved community they are also being used for a number of computing classes that occur weekly and serve the immediate neighborhood.
The impact of this infusion of technology into the community has not been measured yet in 
any but an anecdotal way. But given what we know about their use (pretty constant) and attendance for classes (strong and consistent) it is obvious that there was a need and these donated machines are helping to meet that need.
Currently Digna, with assistance from Michael, is managing the cyber and conducting classes. Digna is employed at the library and Michael currently volunteers his time there. Between the two of them there is plenty to do. And for both of them this work is on top of the classes they are currently taking – Digna is focusing on business management and Michael is taking design (web and print) and technology courses.
The impact of donated materials, put to use in underserved locations and supported by competent staff can be tremendously positive. This is true here, and true in Nicaragua.
Nicaragua 2011 - Service Learning in San Ramon, Matagalpa 