Centro Comunitario de Capacitación en Informática y Biblioteca Monte Coca (Community Center for Computer Science and Library Monte Coca)

Report for the Period June- October 2011 Timothy Durigan, Peace Corps Volunteer October 6 2011

Introduction This report aims to describe all activity taking place at the Community Center for Computer Science and Library Monte Coca since its inauguration June 12, 2011 until the end of September. It is divided into four parts. The first describes the major function of the center, computer classes. The second explains the various methods of fundraising employed by the center; the third describes activities in the center apart from formal computer classes and the last explains the current needs of the center. Formation and Beginning of Classes During the week of June 13, the community center opened registration for the first round of computer classes. As all users were new to computing, only an introductory course was offered. One hundred seventy-four students registered, from which eighteen classes were formed. Low attendance in some classes allowed for the union of four of the classes into two, resulting in a final total of sixteen. Each class met twice a week (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday) for one hour. Homework was assigned each week and the center was used on Friday and weekends to for its completion. The curriculum for classes was provided by Peace Corps and updated by the teachers in Monte Coca. Fifteen manuals were printed in total, eleven of which were used in the center and four of which were made available for purchase and personal use. A price of RD$130 (USD$3.50) was established and it was stipulated that more manuals would be printed should demand arise. The manuals contained all the necessary information for an introductory course in computer science: Hardware and Software systems, the use of the mouse, an introduction to Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and the Internet. The first round of classes did not touch on the topics of Microsoft Excel nor the An Introductory Night Class Internet but instead focused on searching for information using Encarta Encyclopedia and Okawix (a program that allows the use of the online encyclopedia Wikipedia on the local machine.) The courses also focused on an introduction to typing using a program called Typing Master, and presented the language program Rosetta Stone (taking advantage of the donation of 10 headsets from Peace Corps.) The teachers realized rapidly that many of the registered students, in spite of their age, did not have a reading level sufficient to effectively participate in computer classes. These ¨computer classes¨ were converted into reading classes, using educational games in Edubuntu (a Linux-based operating system) as motivation and a prize in class. Of the sixteen classes, three were converted into reading classes –composed of twenty students total. Classes were held for fifteen weeks, with the last week dedicated to exams. Forty-five students took exams, of which forty-three passed. The graduates met with the library committee on October 2, and established the date of October 29 for the graduation. Currently, students are being registered for a second round of classes. The center expects to begin the first intermediate level classes (with those who have successfully

completed the introductory course) October 17th and a second round of introductory classes on the 31st. The intermediate class will cover an introduction to Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Publisher, and the Internet; and intends to develop a greater understanding of the Windows operating system and typing. Fundraising/Income Sources Given the weak financial situation of the center –resulting from the unfulfilled promise of financial backing from the municipality and the province as well as the poor economic situation of the community –the center has developed various methods of fundraising to maintain its function. In spite of its efforts, the center continues to be slightly in debt, and finds itself unable to cover its expenses. Up to this point, the center counts on the voluntary work of its coordinator, its cleaning staff, its watchmen, its two teachers, and its three librarians. The high cost of Internet in the area also makes providing free access an impossibility. The first fundraising event took place June 25th. The center –with the help of the Student Association for Monte Coca’s Progress –organized a fundraising trip to Boca Chica beach. The proceeds of the trip were RD$2797 (~USD$75). August 31st –with the help of an American family- the center opened a small school supply store. Products sold included pencils, pens, School Supply Store notebooks, rulers, pencil sharpeners, erasers, markers, paper, flashcards, calculators, chalk, Tshirts, sandals, hats, crayons, among others. The stores goals are two: raise funds of the sustainability of the center and provide the community with greater access to school materials. Up to this point the center has raised RD$9568 (~USD$250) from the sale of school supplies. Thanks to Peace Corps, the center acquired a printer/photocopier on October 10th. Up to this point, printing and photocopying have raised a small sum of RD$900 (~USD$25). The printer also has mitigated much of the expense of printing for center purposes (before which relied on expensive printing services in nearby Consuelo.) Also through Peace Corps, the center acquired two laptop computers. One is being used as a server for the center and the other has been used as a raffle prize. The prize includes the laptop, Mouse, bag, a small printer and cartridges. A price of RD$25 (~USD$0.50) has been set per ticket and eighty-five tickets have been sold thus far. Places of sale have included the center itself, the local high school, a nearby retreat center, nearby bateys, and the main road in Monte Coca. The center also has shown family movies twice a month since its inauguration using the television and DVD player donated by Spanish NGO Justalegría. Generally RD$5 (USD$0.13) o RD$10 (USD$0.26) have been charged for admission as a contribution to the center’s sustainability. Despite being very economical, payment has been a problem as many arrive without and turn to waiting outside the center making noise and bothering those enjoying the movie. In six movies the center has raise the small amount of RD$415 (~USD$11).

Another small income source for the center is an English class given by the Peace Corps Volunteer in Monte Coca. The class provides RD$1500 (~USD$35) to the center monthly. The last source of income that the center counts on is the payment of registration and monthly payment for classes. The established prices (RD$50 (~USD$1.30) registration fee and RD$25 (~USD$0.60) monthly payment) do not attempt to cover the cost of classes but instead reflect a contribution to the center by students. Up Activity for Children to this point the center has received RD$3225 (~USD$75) from registration fees and RD$4578 (~USD$115) from monthly payments. Payment in this area has also been problematic as students some students have dropped out of classes for financial reasons although the policy of the library has always been that students should not drop out for these reasons. Functions of the Center Functions apart from formal computer classes are many. Firstly, the center serves as an investigation and study center for students and non-students. During the week, community members are invited to use the center to work or do homework. Fridays and weekends are dedicated to the free use of the computers and books. Users generally come to do homework, read, practice typing, use Rosetta Stone, or use the Internet. The center has also offered a short reading and behavioral course, taken by fifteen children in the community. During two weeks in August, Alba Barrionuevo, teacher and volunteer for the Spanish NGO Justalegría offered a class for students with reading and behavioral problems. Students attended almost all classes and speak well of their experience with Alba. The center has also benefited from a large book donation from Justalegría. The center also serves as a meeting place for non-computer classes. The first of which is an adult literacy class, taught by Henry Alexis Santana, and paid for by the Ascalabriana Sisters. The technology in the center has contributed much to the learning Books Behind the Administrative of students and has enriched their experience. Computer The second class is an English class led by Peace Corps volunteer Timothy Durigan, and is paid for by the students. The language and computer resources in the center have also noticeably improved learning is this area. Given the poor energy situation in the community (power goes in and out intermittently throughout the day and night). The Student Association for Monte Coca’s Progress has at times needed to change its meeting place to the center to take advantage of its batteries and power inverters.

Remaining Needs As explained in the first part of this report, the Center for Computer Science and Library Monte Coca does not rely on any constant governmental or institutional support. Likewise, the center continues to be in need despite the community’s efforts. First, the center lacks the financial resources necessary to pay its employees. The roles of teacher, cleaner, watchman, and librarian are being Students Utilizing Rosetta Stone completed by volunteers in the community. The current teacher is is Abrahán Luis, who has invested his time and efforts in the learning of his students without compensation, nor does he does count on any other source of income. The cleaning needs of the center most often fall on the shoulders of Roberto Escanio, a community health promoter with the Social Service of Dominican Churches (the cleaning of the center is not part of his role as a health promoter.) The role of watchman is completed by two youth from the community, Ridoberto Escanio and Miguel Ángel Smera, who sleep on pads on the floor of the center. Neither does the center have funds to pay the three librarians who are charged with the upkeep and circulation of books, the sale of school supplies, the use of the Internet and printer, and the organization and completion of book clubs and reading activities. A budget proposal that outlines the center’s needs is attached to this report. The Center also continues to have needs in material terms. For the watchmen, a futon couch could serve as a reading couch during the day and as a suitable bed at night. To develop the library and encourage reading in the community, the center requires materials to build bookshelves to house books and create a division between the study area and computer area. The library also demands tables and chairs for reading and study. The committee has proposed installing three tables with four chairs at each. Other materials needed include a stamp The Center During Free Time for the library, a globe, and a small carpet that will serve as a reading space for children. For the printer, a refillable cartridge kit could economize the center’s spending on ink. Structurally, the center and community continue with the dream of a study space on a second floor. The second floor would provide a secure and silent place for young people from the community to read, study, draw, or take a class. The center also still lacks a bathroom, and users are forced to return to their homes to take care of their needs or do so in public places. Another need is an air-conditioning unit, which would provide an appropriate environment for the computers (a cool place free from excess dust) and attract more users to the center.

Salaried Budget Proposal (RD$/month) Computer Center Teachers…………………………………………………………................$7,000 (USD$175) Internet……….…………………………………………..………….……..$1,750(USD$50) Administrative Personnel Coordinator/Librarians……………..….……………………………….....$8,000(USD$200) Cleaners…………………………….………………………..……………$3,000 (USD$75) Watchmen...…………...………………………………………...………...$5,000 (USD$125) TOTAL………………………………………………………………….$23,750 (USD$635) Material Budget Proposal (RD$) Library Bookshelves (3)…………………………..………………………………………...….$14,000 Tables (3)……………………………………………………………………..…………$9,000 Chairs (12)………………………………………………………………...…………….$7,200 Carpet………………………………………………………………………………...….$3,000 Stamp…………………………………………………………………………...……….$1,200 TOTAL………………………………………………………………………..………$34,400 Structural Refillable Printer Cartridge Kit…………………………………………………..……...$2,280 Futon Couch……………………………………………………………………...…….$19,000 Air-conditioning Unit………………………………………………………...…….......$35,000 Bathroom………………………………………………………………..$90,000 (USD$2,500) Second Level……………………………………………………..…..$500,000 (USD$13,333) Community Contribution Structural The Center Personnel A fixed quota of RD$25 per month per user Fundraising Beach Trip…………………………………………………………………….………....$2,797 School Supply Store……………………………………………………………...……...$9,568 Printer…………………………………………………………………………………...…$900 Raffle………………………………………………………………...………………..…$2,025 Movies……………………………………………………………………………….….…$415

Registration…………………………………………………………………...………..$3,225 Monthly User Fee……………………………………………………………………....$4,578 TOTAL………………………………………………………………….$23,508 (USD$627)

__________________________________ Henry Alexis Santana Coordinator, CCCIBM

____________________________________ Roberto Antonio Escanio President, Neighborhood Association

___________________________________ Miguel Ángel Smera President, Student Association

____________________________________ María Ortiz Sosa President, Parent-Teacher Association