A Computer for Victoria

... we asked the mothers if any of them 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.

By Bryan Butler
Consuelo arrived at our office several weeks ago. She had heard about the difference a computer was making in a neighboring village. She was aware that over 12 young people were continuing their education without having to leave home. Consuelo had organized a list of 11 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 in Alberta, Canada... 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.

Edel, our tekkie, installed the program materials into the computer, and finally we were able to travel to Victoria. Victoria is a tiny village set among steep, green hills crowned with Honduran pines about ten kilometers and 30 minutes drive from Santa Cruz on newly-graded, dry season roads. As in most small villages in Honduras, there is no school after Grade 6.

We proceeded to set up the computer at Consuelo’s house, and shortly afterward 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 great feature of our delivery system is that people who have never touched a computer in their lives can be studying within minutes.

The most interesting feature for the students was the library component. Although just in the beginning stages of organizing the library, 20 books and stories are currently in the computer. We listened to one student read the first pages of Snow White and Peter Pan. We witnessed people hearing and reading a storybook for the first time in their lives. That was pretty exciting.

As we went through the program, we asked the mothers if any of them 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 said 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 their own journeys in education.

Right before we were getting ready to leave, Consuelo prepared for us a lunch of sharp soft cheese, beans, rice and hamburger, followed by sweet, fried ripe plantains. (11/9/11)