LGS Initiative: Community Computer Coverage

If you're reading this blog entry, then there's already a few things I can tell about you:

1) You own/have access to a computer
2) You know the basics if you're able to get online and know how to read this

Even if you're not exactly tech-savvy, you're already ahead of the game. However, people often take just knowing the basics of a computer for granted, and not everyone has access to what has become such an essential tool.

This is where the Commmunity Computer Coverage initiative comes in.

CCC is run by Matthew Sanfilippo, an LGS junior and Asif Zaman, an LGS sophopmore. Matt and Asif take donations of old and outdated computers or computer parts, wipe the hard drives and make them operable if they weren't before.

After assembling the computers, Matt, Asif, and other volunteers then use the refurbished computers to teach adults in areas around Garden City and Hempstead the basics of computer use so that they can develop necessary skills. These adults often do not have the means to own or get to a computer.

Matt will be teaching at the Leadership Training Institute in Hempstead, while Asif will be teaching in Hempstead High School.

The classes will essentially be a "regular class" with tests and grades, and the student at the top of the class will receive one of the refurbished computers at the conclusion of the class meetings.

Computers are constantly getting better, and many people often don't know what to do with the old ones once they've upgraded to a new one. Most don't know how sensitive information is completely erased, and it's often not worth it to sell a fairly old computer. Why not put those old electronics to good use and give them to a worthy cause? You can rest easy about your information, as Matt and Asif know how to completely wipe a computer.

If you wish to help in another way, Matt and Asif are looking for bilingual (Spanish and English) persons who are willing to teach at the Belmont Racetrack.

If you have any questions about the initiative, or wish to make a donation of a computer or your time, please send an email to either matthewsanfilippo@adelphi.edu or asifzaman@adelphi.edu.