The necessity of digital literacy often creates a hurdle for people who need digital access. Additional language barriers further bar individuals from engaging with the digital world and oftentimes the path to obtaining basic computer skills is littered with more roadblocks; cultural conflicts, transportation issues, and other obligations. These outstanding conflicts compound, building a wall of challenges between an individual and their successes in our increasingly computerized age. 

At Free Geek, we work to tear down that wall and empower people to reach their full potential. Our one-of-a-kind Welcome to Computers program offers a five-week, culturally-specific digital literacy class series designed to bring vital skills to communities that need them the most. 

We offer as many options as possible to eliminate potential barriers to access and learning; we serve participants in their own neighborhoods, provide free food and childcare when needed, and offer both class instruction and written support materials in multiple languages. Over the course of five classes, participants learn to navigate the web, send their first email, and access ongoing resources like computer classes at the library. At the end of their classes, each student takes home a Free Geek laptop -- or, as we lovingly call it, a "FreekTop". 

This program directly empowers people like Batula, who in learning vital digital literacy skills, is granted pathways to new opportunities.

Batula is a mother and east Portland resident who attended the pilot of our Welcome to Computers program in January 2017. She appreciated the friendly, community-driven approach to the program, especially the provision of food, childcare, and translated materials. 

“That’s a really big thing,” she said about the childcare provided. “If I didn’t have a babysitter, I wouldn’t be here.”

During the classes, Batula practiced her mousing, typing, and email skills. She already had a little experience, so she quickly turned to help her fellow students. She speaks both Somali and English, so when the need for a translator arose, she jumped up to help. That September, Batula became the paid Somali translator and teaching assistant for the Welcome to Computers program. 

In 2018, 115 people completed our Welcome to Computers program, earning their own “Freektop” and walking away empowered with the necessary skills to compete in today’s evolving digital world. By bringing these skills directly to the communities that need them the most, we are able to make a direct, tangible impact on the lives of families throughout our community and beyond.

Here at Free Geek, we’re bridging the digital divide and changing lives, one computer at a time!