LMdC currently partners with World Possible to provide an offline educational program to the students of El Hato. The students are learning basic computer and research skills. In addition to this, we would like to provide internet access where students and teachers have a research tool and the ability to communicate via email. With internet, we can provide students with guidance on how to apply for jobs, network, and utilize the plethora of free online education resources available.
The children of El Hato have at their disposal a selection of laptops and 15 desktop computers. Currently, although they have access to offline information provided by World Possible, they are not connected to the internet. This limiting factor means that they cannot access constantly updated information, nor any resources or tools designed to help them with research for academic projects, or learn about and apply for jobs.
For the older students with academic projects that require research, sometimes our offline information is just not sufficient. Access to the internet will improve their skills as active learners and aid with their professional development. Not only will this be a tool for the children, this will also greatly serve the teachers, allowing them access to educational tools to improve their professional capabilities.
With access to quality education, our students will be able to continue beyond 6th grade (the norm), improving opportunities for higher education, gainful employment, and better futures. These students will be able to bring their skills, knowledge, and experience back to their community in the hopes of the community becoming self sustainable and economically stable.