Used Computers Making a Big Difference

I recently wrote this blog entry for our Willow Creek Website about one of our church partners, Nueva Vida. Mark has been working very hard to get 4-5 church-based community computer labs up and running in the past year and it's been exciting to start to see the fruit. Just thought I'd share... and if you'd ever be interested in donating a used computer, let us know! The need is great! It can give a child opportunities they would have never had otherwise!

Three years ago, Nueva Vida church (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) received five used computers from Willow Creek through a Celebration of Hope container shipment. Two of the computers are still currently dedicated and used in the pastor’s office, and the other three helped to start the Nueva Vida Christian School's computer lab.

Lucas, a 21-year old member of the church, is passionate about computer education and gives classes at both the K-8 school (in the morning) and for the community (in the afternoon). Although just out of college, his education in electrical work/engineering and his interest in the education of children have made him the perfect fit to be lab director.

Every grade at the school comes to the computer lab, which now has ten computers (all Willow donations), one time every week. The curriculum used depends on the age of the students. Pre-school aged children learn basic computer skills through educational games, elementary school students become familiar and trained in Microsoft programs, and middle school students learn how to put together computers and do some basic programming.

The lab has a security program on all computers, which allows students to only use the permitted programs. And just now, Nueva Vida is installing an Internet filter to be used when the lab is open to the community in the afternoons. These measures allow the Nueva Vida lab to be a safe place for children to learn how to use and computer.

Due to the growing interest of the neighborhood (mainly community members stopping by every day to ask about what are the upcoming classes) new courses will be added this Spring.