Young Focus wants to tackle computer illiteracy among school dropouts. Young Focus already has a special 'Catch-UP' center for school dropouts at the edge of a large squatter area in Tondo, Manila. We want to set up a computer room with 10 computers to give 200 children and teens an opportunity to develop their talents through educational computer programs.
In the squatter area where we work, a high percentage of the children drop out of school. Many children have to work, scavenging through garbage for recyclable items. They lack the basic educational knowledge to finish elementary school, let alone high school or college. As far as the computer is concerned, they have only learned how to play games at the tiny, local internet cafes. They are computer illiterate.
It will strengthen our educational programs for out-of-school youth, and that will result in children going back to a regular school. The exposure to educational computer programs will help the process of developing their talents, as well as recapture their desire to study.
The project will make it possible for 200 children to understand the importance of computers and what you can do with them. It will help these children finish elementary and high school education. Some will even go on to college or university. The knowledge they gain about computers will certainly be crucial for their further education, and form the foundation for a future career.
