PC's for Refugees
PC’s for Refugees
Perth’s refugee community come from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures and typically feel a sense of isolation in alien surroundings and difficult circumstances. Employment is hard to come by and educational backgrounds are non-uniform, both of which only increases their sense of alienation.
Inspired by the success of the Connectivity for Refugees project in Melbourne, EWB Western Australia have partnered with the Adult Multicultural Education Service (AMES) in Perth to launch a similar project.
Objectives
Pc’s for Refugees is aimed primarily at enhancing their integration within Australian society. We aim to do this by teaming refugee students with a Pc’s trainer who, through a needs assessment process, helps the student in achieving their employment and education goals; and by guiding them to an understanding that the computer is a powerful communication and documentation tool and that the Internet is a vast resource of useful information.
The Project
The project provides a family with a refurbished PC including a printer and 6 months internet access. An EWB volunteer tutor provides weekly one-on-one lessons in the home to give the recipient a basic set of computer skills including word processing, email and web searching. On completion of the tuition program the ownership of the computer is transferred to the recipient.
The provision of internet and training in computer skills will vastly enhance access to public services, job opportunities, educational and vocational training.
Volunteer Opportunities
Tutors
EWB are currently seeking 3 – 4 tutors, particularly female tutors. Tutors are required to give very basic education in use of a PC for basic word processing, use of email and the internet.
For more information about the project or to become a tutor please email Geoff Roy at ewb@cadplan.com.au or check out the PC's for refugees page