“A computer in every home” is the current promise of the Guyanese government (funded by "green money" from foreign governments wanting to preserve the Amazon rainforest which makes up about 80% of Guyana's land mass). While that promise sounds generous on the surface, there are many strings attached to this "gift" and most people in this 3rd world country - except for some of the children - have no technical skills.
One evening while bemoaning the fact we were not reaching enough people, it struck me by way of personal revelation, one way I could help is to teach - even a handful of people - a little about how a computer works then encourage them to "practice, practice, practice" in order to develop a marketable skill!
In 5-weeks of classes, as many as 8 students per week learned Microsoft Word (as much as I knew how to teach them) in the first two lessons, followed by a lesson on Excel, one on Power Point and the last class was a “wrap-up” on anything we missed . . . what they had forgotten . . . an introduction to Picasa and blogging . . . then ended with the creation of their very own graduation certificate.
What a wonderful experience to see class members from 14 to 40 experiencing the "magic" of technology; but the magic for me is knowing these few simple lessons might lead them to a good job in a country crying for people with even the most basic computer skill.
I intend to continue teaching these same five lessons - all around Georgetown - every Tuesday night until we go home!
2 comments:
FROM KELLY: I thought I would pass along something I found interesting. The University of Phoenix conferred my Associates degree on my birthday: October 12 2009 and they conferred my Bachelors degree on yours. I guess I’ll never forget the days I finished.
I read through your blog this morning. It looks like you are doing what you are best at: teaching. I imagine it’s quite wonderful for them to be using computers, for maybe the first time.
I miss talking to you. I pick up the phone 16 times a week to call you.
I love you more than you know.
That is so cool what you are doing for these people. I would imagine that the only time they could ever learn these skills is from an american since those skills are hard to come by in a 3rd world country like Guyana.
BTW, tell Kelly all she has to do is check her skype like I do. I feel like I talk to you guys almost as much as I did when you were living in St. George
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