This week we asked the man and the woman in the street if they can use a computer and if they are interested in the One Laptop Per Family initiative
Interviews by Tiffny Rhodius,
photos by Frances Abraham
Shay Culley, private sector employee
‘Yes I can use a computer. I have been using it since in school. Before that I used to practice on my computer at home. I would say I’m well adept at using it since I have to use it every day for several hours.
I have my personal computer at home but I am not interested in the OLPF. I prefer that someone who does not have a computer to have the opportunity to get one.’
Nadira Dass, private sector employee
‘Yes I can use a computer and I have been using it for seven years now. I learnt to use it off my own and am fairly capable with a computer. I had one at home but it is broken.
I am interested in the one laptop thing because first of all I’m a UG student and having a computer would help me in my studies.’
Romel Mentor, air conditioning technician
‘Yes I can use a computer. I have been using a computer since I was about 10 years old. There was one in my home and I just started using it and my parents taught me about it and how to use it.
I have one at home and I would be interested in getting a computer from the President. I think it is a good thing since there are many families out there who don’t have computers and are not computer literate. The government giving a family a computer will give young people a chance to be computer literate.
But there is one disadvantage and that is not everybody knows the computer so I want to know if the government is going to teach theses people how to use the computer.’
Latoya Clarke, trainee nurse
‘I cannot use a computer well but I am interested in learning to use it. I don’t have one at home either and I would be interested in the One Laptop per Family because I can get to learn about the use of the computer.’
Mary Rubins, private sector employee
‘Yes I can use a computer I have been using for many years. I learnt to use it in school but I do not have one at home.
The one laptop per family imitative would be essential to me since it will save me money and time having to go to an internet cafe.’
Larry DeCosta, private sector employee
`Yes, I can I have been using a computer 11 years now. I learnt to use it by going to computer classes. There is a computer at my home but I am not really interested in the project but it will benefit a lot of people in need.’
Kalvin Homer, UG student
`Of course I can use a computer. I have been using one for about 12 years now. I learnt to use it in school I have a computer at home so I am not interested in the OLPF.
If I were a least fortunate I would need one. I think it would be great for families who can’t afford a computer and it will help younger kids in learning to use computers.’
Jacquelyn Douglas, public sector employee
`I can use a computer maybe not a 100 percent, I have 65 percent knowledge of computers. I do not have one at home but I am certainly interested in learning more about the computer.
As for the government’s plan to give out computers, when I heard about the project I did not express much interest because I learnt that the criteria was based on income and because of my income I know for sure my family will not be eligible.
But basically it’s a good project and I am happy for those who would benefit from it. ‘
Wayne Forde, student
`I can use a computer very well. I learnt off my own and then went to school to learn a few courses. I have a computer at home and I am not interested in OLPF because I heard there is a lot of fine print attached to it.
I heard that you have to serve community service and pay back double the cost if you lose one. It’s a good initiative but there are a lot of issues about distribution and the stipulations are harsh.’
Anil, private sector employee
‘Yes I can use a computer I have been using one for about 10 years. I know basic maintenance and use. I manage an internet cafe. I have fairly good knowledge of the computer.
While I have a computer at home I am interested in the laptop project by the government especially since I am a very mobile person and need a laptop to keep up to date with my business. It would benefit me greatly.’