Victoria – The Difference a Computer Makes

Several weeks ago, Consuelo arrived at our office. She had heard about the difference a computer was making in a neighbouring village. She was aware that over twelve young people were continuing their education without having to leave home.

Consuelo had organized a list of eleven young people in her village who needed to start Grade 7 and wanted to know if there was any way in which we could help. Today, thanks to Vegreville High School, we did.

When I returned to Honduras, I carried with me two computers, tucked between two pillows inside a plastic container. They were two computers being replaced in the High School and which, now, have been given another opportunity to help students study.

Consuelo and her home

First try for a student

 

Edel, our techie, spent time installing the program materials into the computer and, finally, we were able to travel to Victoria. Victoria is a tiny village about ten kilometres (thirty minutes drive on newly graded, dry season roads) from Santa Cruz, set among steep, green hills crowned with Honduran pines. There is, as in most small villages, no school after Grade 6.

At Consuelo’s house (“Just stop and ask anyone in the village where I live and they will show you.” – they did) we began to set up the computer. Very shortly, mothers and students began arriving.

Edel demonstrated starting a computer, the programs available and how to navigate. Then, he turned it over to students to try their hand at it. Within minutes, and amid much discussion and prompting from each other, they were navigating their way around the curriculum. One of the great features of our delivery system is that people who have never touched a computer in their lives can be studying within minutes.

 

First Typing Demonstration - the old guy still rules.

First Demonstration

The most interesting feature for the students was the library component. Although we are still just beginning organizing the library, there are twenty books and stories in the computer now. We listened to one of the students read the first pages of Snow White and Peter Pan. We were able to watch people hear and read a story book for the first time in their lives. That was pretty exciting (rather more in my opinion).

As we went through the program, we asked the mothers if there were any of them who had studied beyond Grade 6. None of them had. We broadened the question to see if any women in the village had studied beyond Grade 6. They discussed among themselves and were unable to think of any. When we told them that they were welcome to study as well, they were delighted. Having seen the changes in the lives of other women who have studied with us, we are eager to see them start studying.

First Story

Just before we were ready to leave, Consuelo prepared a lunch of sharp, soft cheese, beans, rice and hamburger followed by sweet, fried ripe plantains.

TTYL

BB