Leveling The Playing Field

By Mark Conching
Wednesday - August 03, 2011 Share

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By Mark Conching,
Consultant, Ohana Komputer

Using the computer for communication and productivity is essential in today’s workplace and educational system. While it seems commonplace, many of our keiki and kupuna are without a computer at home and lack the opportunity to learn basic computer skills.

Since 2000, ‘Ohana Komputer has been a leader in bringing computer literacy skills to disadvantaged children and adults throughout Hawaii. The use of a unique thematic curriculum makes working with computers fun and gives students practical knowledge in desktop publishing, spreadsheets, word processing, database management and multimedia skills. Our teachers are highly skilled and passionate, and weekly training ensures their expertise is up-to-date.

Classes are taught at community centers and in after-school and summer school programs at public and private schools. Using laptops makes our computer lab mobile and takes our classes where they’re needed most.

Adult student Peter Clark takes advantage of ‘Ohana Komputer’s free computer access and classes at Makiki Community Library.

Besides teaching computer literacy, ‘Ohana Komputer has been instrumental in establishing Community Technology Centers at Palama Settlement, Papakolea Community Center, Weinberg Community Center in Chinatown, Boys and Girls Club of Maui and Makiki Community Library. These centers not only give us a place to teach, but provide much-needed computer access in disadvantaged communities.

Peter Clark is one of many who have benefited from our classes. In a recent email, Mr. Clark states, “Just wanted to let you know how much I’m enjoying the class and how much I’m LEARNING. I needed to learn more about computers, but couldn’t afford to pay for courses. Voila! Makiki Library and ‘Ohana Komputer to my rescue! I’m VERY grateful to ‘Ohana Komputer for providing these courses, and I’ll continue to learn from Ali, Jill, and now marvelous Michelle. They make learning about computers FUN. Thank you, thank you.”

Leveling the technological playing field gives our students the skills necessary for success in school and the workplace. To continue our mission, we need your help. With grants considerably lower, your donations are more important than ever. We’re also seeking motivated individuals to serve on our board. To contribute, please call executive director Gigi Davidson at 523-8191 or visit ohanakomputer.org.

Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.