Computers

In an effort to promote progress, the Department of Education has mandated that all S.A. public schools should have at least one computer. In order to make this happen, the department has donated computers to many schools. However, as our experience can attest, these computers are typically old, packed with out-of-date programs and files and do not come with any sort of instruction for the receiving school. This combination has resulted in numerous computer graveyards. For instance, our smallest school reportedly has one lap top that the principal allegedly keeps at his house for ‘safekeeping’ because they do not have a safe and theft is a major problem. However, as Ma’s school can attest, a safe room to store computers in does not always result in the use of those computers. Joe discovered a closet full of computer parts that the school staff claimed were “broken”. Curiosity got the better of Joe and after a day playing with the computer parts, Ma’s school now has three fully functional computers and two more awaiting a new mouse and keyboard. We quickly discovered that “broken” equals “I really don’t know how to use these things!” (the color of the screen is off, the ink ran out, the mouse wasn’t working properly, etc.). On the other end of the spectrum, Kelli’s key school has a strong room (think bank safe) with a computer lab and about ten desk tops and a lap top. They have even started computer classes for the learners which Kelli loves to sit in on, as they are a constant source of entertainment. Try explaining why you have to hit the Start button to shut down a computer to a fifth grader in their third language.

Although we are no means computer experts, as middle class Americans, we have the distinct advantage of having computers as a daily part of our lives. Therefore, we have spent many days on our schools’ computers typing documents, exams and reports, and creating budget spreadsheets, diplomas and even wedding invitations. We have also been teaching the clerks and any interested teachers some computer basics and have plans for more structured computer classes beginning next year. We are excited at this fun opportunity to spread computer literacy and help promote efficiency.

picture: Just one of the many ways schools try to prevent burglary