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Hairston Students to Receive Computers

09/11/2007 - HandyCapable Network Inc. plans to provide a household computer for every seventh-grade student at Hairston Middle School. Barbara Davis, project director for the organization that assists in the setup of computer learning centers, said the plan requires 200 to 250 computers be donated by individuals and businesses. Volunteers then will refurbish the computers and train families to use them.

A survey in fall 2006 found that 25 percent of eighth-grade students at Hairston had access to a computer at home, compared to almost 80 percent of children nationwide. "I don't think people think about what their life would be like without a computer or Internet on a daily basis," Davis said.

HandyCapable received a $35,000 grant for the project from The Cemala Foundation , which works to improve the quality of life in Greensboro. Susan Schwartz , executive director for the foundation, said the project will help provide a "21st-century education for all the children."

HandyCapable also received a $15,000 grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation.

Hairston has the highest population of middle school students in Guilford County eligible for free or reduced lunches. Almost 93 percent of the students qualify. Hairston's end-of-grade scores in technology were about 20 percent below the average in Guilford County, Davis said.

Davis said it is "the difference between the haves and the have- nots." Computers are a must for students today, who need to type reports and research online, she said.

Cecilia Adams , manager of community partnerships for Guilford County Schools, praised the project. "It's a great way to get this technology in the hands of kids," she said. "It's a great way for businesses to recycle their computers." Though the project calls for about 250 computers, Davis said it could serve as many as 700 people when families are considered. "Dad can use it to find jobs," she said. "Mom can use it to go back to school. The sibling can use it."

Computers will come with software, including Microsoft Word and educational spelling and math programs, and a 60-day warranty. The organization also plans to recruit local high school students to learn computer diagnostics and repair, in order to provide ongoing support.

Davis said the computer refurbishing and training classes will cost about $50,000. The organization is waiting on approval of another grant to make up the difference.

The organization has received about 100 computers for the project, but Davis said more need to be donated. Davis said she expects all computers to be distributed to students by February, in time for students to gain computer skills before the eighth-grade end-of-grade testing.

Davis also is investigating partnerships to provide low-cost broadband Internet along with the computers. "In today's society, computer literacy is basic literacy," she said. "Our children's future is the Internet and computers."

Contact Karin Dryhurst

at 627-1781, ext. 119, or kdryhurst@news-record.com