MetMin Brings Computer Skills to Those Who Can’t Access the Internet

Most of us take our home computers for granted.
They’ve become a part of our daily lives for communication with friends, family and business associates, and even just for games and fun.
But what if you can’t afford a computer?
Time to check out an innovative program sponsored by Metropolitan Ministries.

The internet opens a whole world of possibilities for us. Students are getting familiar with computers in first grade. For some of the people in this room at MetMin, this is their first experience with the cyber world.

ANDREW SMITH, DIR. , TECH GOES HOME “Computer literacy is a fundamental right with respect to special and economic justice. It’s not a frill, its not something that should only be available to people that can easily afford it.”

This class has 15 people who might not ever be introduced to the wonders of computers. They’ll take 10 lessions this month and then be allowed to take these Chrome Books home to keep.

JO ANN BROWN, HAPPY TO BE PART OF THE PROGRAM “Listen, this is the best thing for seniors and anybody that is not computer savvy…this is a wonderful program. I’m blessed to be a part of it.”

Ervin McCullough wants to use the internet to spread the news about his landscaping business.

ERVIN MCCULLOUGH , OWNS LANDSCAPING COMPANY “I just want to learn this computer…want to learn more about it …the basics

ANDREW SMITH “There are things that people whose lives are characterized by trying to find enough money for the basics…where there’s just not room for a laptop computer that might cost as little as 3 or 400 dollars.”

One young student jumped at the chance to design a building on his Chromebook.

This program breaks down a big wall for most of these folks.

JO ANN BROWN “On a fixed income, social security I couldn’t afford a laptop…so this is wonderful to me…it keeps me in touch with the world.”

ANDREW SMITH “They are without access to one of the most fundamental parts of the economy these days, and that’s internet access.”

And MetMin is meeting that need with this monthly program.