ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell Public Affairs Society (CPAS) is leading a wide-scale computer donation campaign to benefit the people of Africa. Society members are asking the greater Ithaca community to donate fully functioning, used computers with a Pentium I -or greater processor, or its equivalent. They have set an ambitious goal of acquiring 200 units by May 31.

The computers are destined for African nations, with an emphasis on institutions supporting women in schools, agricultural organizations and training centers, and health agencies. Monitors, mice and keyboards are the only peripherals that can be accepted with the computers. All donations must be in working condition; all software, including the operating system, should be removed prior to donation.

CPAS is the student professional organization of the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs, and the campaign is coordinated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Leland Initiative. USAID is an independent government agency whose goal, largely, is to provide humanitarian support to developing countries. The Leland Initiative is an effort to extend full Internet connectivity to 20 or more African countries in order to promote sustainable development.

CPAS will arrange for pickup of computers from individuals, businesses, or colleges and universities. For more information, contact Harvey Scott, CPAS president, at (607) 257-8176 or by e-mail at hjs25@cornell.edu .