Every day the digital divide, the gulf between those who have easy access to computers and the internet and those who don’t, threatens the advancement of the poor, which is about half of the population in Mexico.
In fact, in 2012, just 26 percent of Mexican households had Internet access. Enter Computadoras Pro Jovenes, a local nonprofit whose volunteers believe that the children of Central Mexico need computer skills to succeed. CPJ provides computes, support, software and ongoing mentoring to ids in schools, kids with special needs and college students from poor families.
CPJ is seeking volunteers to check donated computers in and out and to load software onto them. In addition, volunteers are sought to represent CPJ to groups in SMA. CPJ is also seeking volunteers to recruit and train volunteers. Finally, CPJ is seeking volunteers to help fundraising, primarily in the US.
Volunteers do not need advanced computer skills, only to be able to determine whether a computer is working and to load software.
Volunteer hours are fairly flexible. Spanish is not necessary except for volunteers who go to the field to check computers in the campo.
Volunteers need to arrange for transportation, when needed, but some work can be done from home.
If you are interested in helping to bridge the digital divide for our host citizens, contact cpjcomputers@gmail.com
By Robin Loving
