Program bridges digital divide
Poor families take computers home

Winnipeg Free Press

Wed May 31 2006

By Gabrielle Giroday

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Stephanie Abraham uses her computer for research and to study for exams — and have fun exploring the world.

Stephanie Abraham loves to check out flight prices to Egypt on her home computer -- and it's all thanks to the Computer Lending Library.

"I've always wanted to go to Egypt, so sometimes I like to look at the flight prices online," admitted Abraham, 34, one of about 75 guests at the Aboriginal Centre yesterday to celebrate a program that will give hundreds of low-income Manitobans computers for their homes. The event hosted students from the Aboriginal Centre's Community Campus as well as tech enthusiasts and educational leaders from across Manitoba. "You can do banking and research online, and study for exams," said Abraham, a mother of six who is currently working toward her high school degree. "I wasn't really into technology (before), but you can see different cultures and places, and chat with people from all over." The digital divide between those who have access to technology and those who don't needs to be bridged, said the program's supporters, and providing free computers is a first step. "Libraries as we know them probably won't exist in 50 years," said Louis Visentin, president of Brandon University. Visentin said the Internet is increasingly a source of academic information for students everywhere, so they need as much online access as possible. "(Having a computer) is a fundamental issue of literacy," he said. "People need fluency in Internet technology." About 120 people have received computers so far from the program run by the Smart Partners of Manitoba, a non-profit group that focuses on access to technology. They said they plan to provide 1,000 computers annually to those who apply for them, after receiving donated computers from private and public groups upgrading their equipment. Youth under the age of 18 can apply for computers as well, if their parents approve. "It's almost always a family that comes in to pick up a computer, which was a surprise," said Karen Keppler, a co-ordinator of the Computer Lending Library, who said she's been jolted by the number of people under one roof who can use a computer for activities ranging from video games to resumé-building. "I didn't expect it to be such a family activity." There are wrinkles to be ironed out. Gaining Internet access at home is still too pricey for some of the program's participants, as is transporting a computer home without immediate access to a vehicle. One recipient said her computer is currently going unused because she lacked the money for a cab ride to drive it to her North End apartment. "Imagine if a car ride's going to keep you from having a computer, that's tragic," said Keppler, who said the program is looking at expanding wireless access in some downtown neighbourhoods so that people will be able to have free Internet access at home.

gabrielle.giroday@freepress.mb.ca