Making Computers Accessible
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Gigi Davidson wants to help technology-challenged people, no matter what age they are. With Ohana Komputers, she can teach people everything from how to turn on the computer, use e-mail, the Internet, word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, etc., to databases, programming, graphics, applied technology and multimedia presentations.
“Almost any job uses computers,” says Davidson.
Ohana Komputers is available at various locations such as schools, after-school programs and community centers. Ohana Komputers also writes grants to get the equipment and programs started. The company’s main goal is to reach disadvantaged people throughout the state and enlighten their lives with the ability to use a computer.
Palama Settlement on Vineyard Boulevard has computers available for the community to use, and classes are held there. Davidson says some folks who have never used a computer before are delighted with their progress. Ohana Komputers also has worked with Kalihi Elementary School and Our Redeemer Lutheran School. It has been involved with several after-school and summer school programs such as Accelerations Hawaii, Boys and Girls Spalding Center, Kahala Elementary and Maryknoll Grade School. Private lessons also are available.
Davidson says there are many nuances to the business of teaching people how to use computers.
“Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something else comes up,” she says. “We had a gentleman in his early 70s who came for weekly lessons. He was ill-at-ease at first. He’d bring doughnuts and coffee to one of our locations where there was a dog. We have one photo where the gentlemen is at the computer, and the dog put his paws on the man’s lap. So it looks like the dog is watching the computer. The dog was really more interested in the doughnuts, but it looks like he’s looking at the computer.”
A Hawaii resident since 1978, Davidson’s background includes working in the financial industry and selling real estate.
Since she started Ohana Komputers in November 2000, she’s now up to four full-time employees, and has three to five part-time employees.
“I’m passionate about doing good things in the community,” says Davidson, who hopes to expand her business in the future.
She’s involved with the board of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, Job Corps and charter school Halau Ku Mana. The Makiki resident enjoys hiking, surfing, athletic activities and spending time with her 19-year-old son, Jenya.
For more information, call 523-8191, log onto OhanaKomputer.org
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