From junk to jobs
Old computers can bring new hope to various groups of people,
from orphans to NGOs, who can turn supposed trash into real treasures
Story by ALONGKORN PARIVUDHIPHONGS
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Know these words and phrases
advent
the coming of an important event
ironically
in a way that is opposite of what you would expect
impetus
something that encourages an activity to develop more quickly
initiative
a new plan for achieving a particular purpose
chronically
lasting for a long time
inmates
prisoners in a jail
on the verge of
very near to the moment when something happens
plight
a difficult and sad situation
activist
a person who works to achieve political or social change
networking
a system of meeting and talking with people who may be useful in your work
amateur
a person who is not specially trained or skilled
database
an organised set of data stored in a computer
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SECOND-HAND COMPUTERS OFFER HOPE
While the advent of the Internet and information technology links people around the world, it has ironically broadened the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots”.
Concern for underprivileged people who do not have access to computers was the impetus for a royal project to provide computer literacy skills to such people to guarantee better work opportunities in the digital age.
The Information Technology Project under the initiative of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn started in 1995 to help poor rural students and people with disabilities improve their learning skills. Later, it branched out to aid children who are chronically ill, as well as inmates on the verge of being released who need to brush up on their work skills.
One of the project's most successful programmes has been the ongoing training at 72 schools nationwide. Each school received approximately 20 second-hand machines and two printers.
“Computer skills are helping rural children discover their talents and providing hope for a better life,” said Manoo Ordeedolchest, president of the Association of Thai Computer Industry (ATCI), responsible for the operation of this royal project.
After years of training, many participants bring pride to the project, he said. One student from northeastern Thailand went on to higher education in computer science at Khon Kaen University. One hill tribe student became masterful in programming, and received a job offer as a web page designer in the United States.
NGOS PUT COMPUTERS TO USE
Information technology and the Internet are providing a medium for the poor and the underprivileged to share their plight with the world, becoming an important tool for social movements. Hundreds of local NGOs and grassroots activists are now communicating through the wire.
“The Internet has expanded opportunities for networking for their meetings and activities,” said Walchai Sreharan, Information and Communication Technology Team Head at Thai Fund Foundation (TFF), which helps to raise funds for activities of NGOs and grassroots groups that work for women, children, minority groups and other groups.
“It creates better communication and management among staff and other groups,” said Walchai, also webmaster of a web portal for local NGOs located at www.thaingo.org/web.htm.
Most significantly, up-to-date information and professional graphics provided on each web site, he said, creates a better image for the groups.
“We can talk directly to the public _ our work is not just staging protests. We can communicate with society directly so our goals and activities can be better understood,” he said.
HELP FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
One man's trash is another man's treasure, they say. At the Wat Suan Kaew temple in Nonthaburi, the donation of used or broken computers has created income for a self-supporting community.
Volunteer workers sort through the pile: operational computers will be sold for 2,000 to 5,000 baht each; others will be taken apart, the spare parts resold separately.
“It's also a free learning tool for amateur technicians who want to practise their technical skills. After repairs, some computers can also go on sale,” said Aunt Took, assistant to Phra Payom, who initiated this self-sustainable project for residents in the community.
“Everyone here works for the community. Some pick up the donated stuff, others fix the machines, others run the auctions. Even kids help clean the temple,” said Somprasong Sukakul, who works in the donations section.
“I learned how to keep a database of donations, and records of people in our community. It helps me to run the activities more quickly and conveniently,” Aunt Took said.
Donated computers have also become educational tools for orphans living at the temple. “We established a small computer room at the temple for the kids to learn computer skills so that they will have better job opportunities when they grow up,” said Woratham Worachetham, a volunteer teacher.
“Used stuff always has some value here. Just dumping it as trash would be pointless. It would better to send it to us,” Somprasong said.
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If you are on your second or third computer, you have already experienced the frustration of trying to get rid of the old one. No one will buy a used computer – probably no one you are in touch with, at least. But there are people around who are making very good use of second-hand computers. They would love to receive your next cast off.
maureen@bangkokpost.co.th |