When I was in school there was an initiative adopted by some of suburban high schools around the Chicagoland area to connect with poorer nations through video chatting. The students could speak with and see 'first hand' the conditions that their peers in other countries were subject to. From what I remember, the students in other countries would travel to some institution of higher learning in their area to gain access to the computers and web cameras since the technology wasn't readily available at their school.

The American students then prepared reports and journals on their own impressions of the experience, listing ways they felt they could help or influence some kind of change. Each of the high schools collectively pooled their students' comments and came up with ideas to help. I know a few schools donated computers, food, etc., while others reached out to local volunteer and missionary groups to travel to the specific countries and schools. Parents, families, teachers and in some cases, local governments stepped in to help. I believe it was quite successful and the fact that video chatting was utilized made for a much more visceral experience from the American students' perspective.

Hope this helps,

Phil