Protect the Children's Future Corp. (PCF; www.protectchildrenfuture.org) is establishing a community computer learning center in Corail Lherisson, a rural town in southeast Haiti, which will provide nearly 2,000 youths with an opportunity to gain proficiency in various basic and advanced computer programs, build and enhance their knowledge of computer hardware, develop and strengthen their language skills, and have access to computers and other services through its use as an Internet Cafe.
In Corail Lherisson, about 30 to 40 young men and women graduate from high school each year, without having basic computer knowledge. Roughly 95% of these high school graduates do not have the finances to pursue higher education, and those who drop out of school have little chance of even attending vocational school. The students in this town study foreign languages in primary and high school, but the gains are very slim, because they do not use these skills outside of the school environment.
Youths' capacity will be built to create professional, personal and technical specification documents; use e-mail and calendar software; store and filter data; produce charts and graphs; create slide shows; enhance presentations by embedding animation or video within slide shows. Use the Internet to access and retrieve information and conduct some level of research. Learn how to install computer programs, troubleshoot problems, perform regular computer maintenance and repair. Study languages.
The establishment and operation of the center will present the community of Corail Lherisson (with its estimated population of 3,100) with a better means of connecting with the outside world, and a better opportunity for personal development. The center will also be used as an Internet Cafe, which will generate some income for its operation and maintenance and may provide some computer-knowledgeable youth with an opportunity to work their way for a small stipend to improve their livelihood.
