Little Geeks Pick Up Free Computers Thursday

It’s no secret that the Internet and computers are becoming an increasingly common feature of Canadian classrooms. They’re an integral part of most teenagers’ social lives as well, thanks to sites like MySpace and Facebook.

But they’re not a reality for the millions of Canadian children whose families struggle to put food on the table every night. That’s where Little Geeks steps in.

Little Geeks is charity that hooks underprivileged Toronto kids up with refurbished computers and one year of Internet access. It was founded by Andy Walker and Lisa Shishis.

“It’s just a gateway to anything’s possible,” said Walker.

“They’re going to have skills built in simply by being on the Internet and reaching out through the Internet that will be marketable and bring them up to the level of their peers going into high school and university,” he added.

Their goal for June alone is incredibly ambitions: to provide 200 computers to 200 families and they hope to have handed out 1000 by the end of the year.

The students – you need to be under 17 to qualify – don’t just get the hardware. The computer comes with “Big Geek.”

Andrew Khan is one of them. He’s responsible for delivering the computer, installing it, setting it up and providing telephone and email tech support for at least six months.

“I think it just generally prepares them to get out in the world,” said Khan, a 29-year-old IT manager. “It helps keep them in contact with other kids.”

The one thing Walker wishes he could accomplish? Internet access for more than a year.

“The only reason we say `free for a year’ is because of our funding situation,” Walker explains, adding each connection costs $25 to $30 monthly.

“But our intention is that every child who wants an Internet-connected computer and can’t afford one, should get one. It is actually very disappointing, as far as we’re concerned, that nobody has stepped up as a national sponsor of our program. And we thought that would be the easy part.”

Not everyone is completely sold on the idea.

High school teacher Michael Zwaagstra warns that the computer is only a tool.

“The main caution I would have is not to see this program as a panacea for all learning problems,” argued  Zwaagstra, who teaches in southeastern Manitoba.

For now, the program can only help children in Toronto, but hopes to expand its reach with your donations.
 

 Need a computer? Here’s how to register.

Have one to give away? Here’s how to donate.

Can you offer tech support? Be a Big Geek.