Vincentian Information Technology Volunteers

The Vincentian Information Technology Volunteers (VITs)conducted the first session of its Certificate Program on Basic Computer Tutorials, an outreach program for domestic helpers in the Tandang Sora area, Quezon City, Philippines last September 21, 2002. The St. Vincent’s School of Theology opened its computer network so that domestic helpers living in the nearby vicinity may familiarize themselves, initially, with the basics of computer use, and eventually, with the opportunities afforded by information technology, particularly the Internet.

Thirty-five applicants, mostly in their twenties (youngest at 8 years old, oldest at 77), showed up for the first session; twenty-four were selected to join the tutorials which will run every Saturday afternoon until October 12.

The newly created Vincentian IT Volunteers – a team made up of Bros. Roger Coloyan CM, and Rex CM, (Vincentian computer engineers) and Joie Manatad and Cristy Versoza (IT professionals) – led by Fr. Atilano Fajardo, CM, had earlier agreed to select only ten participants for the first run of tutorials (2:30-3:30pm session ) and to schedule the rest in the succeeding months. Due to the heavy turn-out, however, a second batch (3:30-4:40pm session) was organized to accommodate as many applicants as possible.

To address the still-growing list of interested applicants and to keep the project going so that it becomes an active partner in bridging the digital divide, the Vincentian IT Volunteers plan to network with more IT professionals who are willing to render community work. This early, the Volunteers are preparing for a spin-off group: computer tutorials for senior citizens 60 years old and above.

The project was launched in celebration of St. Vincent de Paul’s feast day on September 27, 2002. It hopes to generate enthusiasm on the new ways of reaching out to the poor in the electronic age. The program is a concrete response to the call of the Holy Father and the Fr. Robert Maloney CM to bridge the gap that exists between the information-rich and the information-poor.

Miss Joie Manatad