Amigos de Chocolá took over management of the Computer Learning Center in Chocolá in spring 2019. The Learning Center was initiated by another non-profit, Seeds for a Future (Semillas Para el Futuro) that still operates an agricultural program in the village. Seeds partnered with the Riester Foundation of Phoenix, Ariz., to equip and maintain the Learning Center over the past several years.
Amigos continues that partnership with Riester today and was recently awarded a grant of $1,400 to update and add additional computers for the center. The grant will also help provide additional training for Moises, our instructor at the center. There are currently about 13 desktop and laptop computers in use, however some are very old and in need of repair or replacement. The Riester grant will refresh and add to the hardware and provide more students with learning opportunities.
Currently, there are two classes of high school students using the Learning Center on a twice-weekly basis. Additionally, there are classes for primary students who wish to enhance their reading skills and get an introduction to the use of computers. The center is also open during some daytime hours for use by the general public. All instruction at the Learning Center is in Spanish.
A study is now under way to determine the optimal location for the center in the village. It is currently in a neighborhood just outside the village center and could be used by more students if it were in a more centralized location. Stay tuned for updates on this study.
Laptop donations are always welcomed at the Computer Learning Center. Contact John Hill, Executive Director of Amigos de Chocolá for further information. Jb17dc@gmail.com