Computers are so much a part of our lives that we can hardly imagine living without one. But for the vast majority of Asians owning a computer is only a dream. This is a tragedy because the ability to “handle” a computer is the key to the world and a means to get a job – even an entry level job such as a sales-girl, receptionist. Even poor Asians know this but they just do not have the means to learn to use a computer or even touch one.
Goducate aims to help poor Asians learn computer skills. We have already started Goducate computer learning centers in Indonesia and Singapore (for migrant workers). At first, we employed computer teachers to teach the subject. This pilot project was successful but we could not expand our work to other centers because of the shortage of trained computer teachers. When we faced this dilemma, a Goducate volunteer offered to develop a computer-based learning system for us. He had worked in a similar center in UK for migrants and used his expertise and experience to develop a system that is suitable for Indonesia (which can quite easily be modified for other Asian countries). With this computer-based learning system students of all different ability levels can be trained – and learn at their own speed. Only one facilitator will be required to help out when the students encounter problems.
It is a joy just to watch simple folks “unlock” the potential of the computer and enter a whole new world. All it takes is for people to collect the unwanted computers of affluent countries and install the right learning software (which we have developed) in them and we have a Goducate computer center! Presently, we have developed/put together software to teach English and computer skills. In the near future, we hope to develop/put together other learning programs – the skies the limit when the computer “door” is unlocked.
Goducate hopes to help poor Asians help themselves by opening a whole wide world to them. These dear people do not need to watch the world go by but can join the world! Let’s help put the future in their hands!
I was amazed that my eight-year-old niece is able to surf computer sites and it really goes to show the influence of the IT-based world we’ve increasingly become. Goducate certainly serves as a platform to help people who have no means of accessing the outside world through a computer and equipping them for the future…this is the kind of awareness we need!