Like it or not, knowledge is power.
LDH, disease ridden water is caused by what? Ultimately, by a lack of knowledge. There were spring pole drills made entirely of wood the could excavate clean water wells.
As long as the locals learn about the microbes and the dangers of defecating in or near their water sources/slaughtering animals in or near their water sources there would be clean water for the locals. The spread of incurable diseases is predominantly caused by ignorance.
Economic development in ignorance does nothing to better the lives of the lowly. Knowledge is power and protection. In my opinion, there is no way to minimize its importance.
ozziepost, if the student used the laptop and got a better education because he had it, then through greater knowledge resources he increased his ability to make more money for the rest of his life. That he was thinking short-term about his gift did not make your gift unwise.
AuldSoul