Our aims
There are two arms to this program.1) The PCs refurbishment side obtains second hand computers, then refurbishes them and provides them at either low cost or free to those that are in need of them.
2) The computer classes aims to provide free class to local communities aimed at equiping them with practical computer literacy skills.
What you can do.
Computer classes- The most basic roles we need are tutors who will go to one or more of the community centers each week to run and teach the two hour classes there. No special computer skills are required. If you know how to surf the net and use Microsoft Office, you are well qualified!
- For those that are interested in getting more involved, roles focusing on partnership development, regular progress assessment and program development (such as lesson development and training development) are also necessary. Above all, you'll be able to shape the future of the program and influence the direction it takes. These will require more commitment and regular work than those participating as tutors.
Our Philosophy
Our most basic and fundamental aim is to provide people in socially disadvantaged situations with simple computer skills. These skills should be relevant to their everyday life and work to enhance their lifestyle (rather than providing something we think may be relevant but it not necessarily so). We want to stress practicality in what we teach.But that is not all. Many of our students are living in a circumstance where their future is unknown are apart from their families and the familiar. By providing an environment where their (specific) needs are listened to and dealt with respectfully, we provide them with the confidence and support that they need. This form of support is sometimes much more important to them than the knowledge we actually impart on them.
Above all, we must realise that circumstances are constantly changing. By working as a group, we must work to maintain the relevance of the program through reassessment our students needs, our values and our outcomes. We must always put the students needs first, make sure the program is practically relevant and volunteer with integrity. This is a continuous and time consuming task, but by motivating each other, we will overcome these difficulties and take the program further.
So in summary, we want to:
1) Enhance our students lifestyle through imparting practically relevant knowledge.
2) Provide a safe environment to our students and supporting them respectfully.
3) Putting the students first in the way we shape our program and volunteering with integrity.
Details
We are currently in partnership with two community centres. The way the classes are run differ depending on the community centre. In both centres, classes run for a block of 6 weeks followed by a break week with the cycle repeating throughout the year. During the break week, a debrief session may be called where we evaluate the previous block and assess our progress. This is often followed by a social dinner.Thursdays:
Asylum Seeker's Centre of NSW
The Connectivity NSW Program has had a long history of partnership with the Asylum Seeker's Centre of NSW. The classes there are well established with a history of more than 4 years.When: 1:30-3:30pm, lunch is available at 1:00-1:30pm at the center.
Where: 38 Nobbs Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
What: The lessons in this centre are delivered in a one on one Q+A manner. Students turn up during the class and ask tutors about any problems and queries they have regarding computer use. Predeveloped lessons can also be taught for students that are simply interested in learning something.
South Sydney Community Aid (multi-cultural neighbourhood centre)
The South Sydney Community Aid is a new community partner with the Connectivity NSW Program. It is currently still in the pilotting stages with a curriculum currently in the trialing phase.When: 2:00-4:00pm
Where: 73 Garden Street, Alexandria NSW 2015
What: The lessons in this centre is split into two parts. The first hour is dedicated to delivering a predeveloped curriculum focused on the internet. This is to be delivered to all students are a group. The second our is delivered in a one on one Q+A manner. Students can either ask follow up questions from the previous hour or raise new questions to tutors and receive support about it.
The lesson that are presented are as follows:
Week 1: Web Browsers
Week 2: Search Engines
Week 3: Emails and Emailing
Week 4: Facebook
Week 5: Instant Messenging
Week 6: Getting around using 131500.info and google maps
Partner Profiles
Asylum Seeker's Centre of NSW
The Asylum Centre's Centre of NSW provides crucial legal, health and living support for asylum seekers in NSW waiting for the decision on their seeking. As part of the centre, leisure is also offered to clients to provide a form of structure and fun into their lives. A significant portion of asylum seekers are not allowed to work or even volunteer.
Volunteers are invited to go at 1pm for lunch with the clients at the centre. This is a good opportunity to mingle and chat.