When technology works properly, it can completely enhance the way that we learn.
If it’s riddled with issues and difficult to use, it can be a burden.
The Gateway for Families community hub (located at 9435 Young Rd.) provides programs, support and computer lab access to people in downtown Chilliwack.
Chilliwack Community Services (CCS) runs Family Literacy, Adult Upgrading and Families in Motion courses through the lab, and Chilliwack Central Community School Society offers computer-specific programming for young students and their families during and outside of school hours.
CCS Family Literacy Program Coordinator Laura Watson helps users in the computer lab on a daily basis. People are learning basic computer skills, accessing academic course materials, researching for and writing assignments,as well as gaining access to essential information via the Internet.
But the existing computers in the lab weren’t known for their reliability.
The equipment was several years old, Watson explained. It was oversized and outdated, very slow to use, prone to freezing or shutting down, and some computers were missing components or basic capabilities.
When Watson revealed this to Chilliwack Fraser Rotary president Linda Rook, she and fellow Rotarians took immediate action.
“Access to reliable, up-to-date computer technology has become increasingly important in classroom education and daily life,” said Rook in a press release.
“Our club has consistently supported service projects that foster community development and support young people in Chilliwack,” she added.
That’s what motivated Rotary members to track down and contribute ten refurbished computers to the Gateway for Families lab. Once the used computers were secured, Steve Czeck of Empyrion Technologies, a Chilliwack-based and Rotarian owned business, stepped up to install new software on the computers.
“When President Linda announced that the Chilliwack Fraser Rotary Club was donating up to ten computers with monitors and keyboards, I was a little overwhelmed at first,” Watson said.
“This donation will make an immediate and substantial difference to support the learning needs of not only our students, but the entire community.”
Watson also made note that the reliable computers will allow Gateway for Families to offer additional programming, including UFV’s Education and Career Planning Course, ‘Workplace Computer Use and Writing Skills,’ beginning in March.
Five of the computers were installed at the end of January, the remaining five were delivered Feb. 2.
As lab-goers try out the computers for the first time, already they are “thrilled to be able to sit down and know they can concentrate on their learning, instead of being frustrated with technology,” Watson has noticed.
That ease of use makes for the pleasant typing, clicking and Googling necessary to strengthen computer literacy in our community.
To learn more about Family Literacy and Adult Upgrading programs, contact Laura at 604-845-0379. For Gateway for Families and Central Community School information, contact Shannon at 604-792- 8539.
The Rotary Club of Chilliwack/Fraser meets every Wednesday at 12 p.m. in the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn (43971 Industrial Way). Visitors are always welcome.
Check out rotaryclubofchilliwackfraser.org for details.
