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The Brownsville Herald
Service: 200 families in Cameron County will
receive computers with Internet access.
Nelly Pena shuffles her time between raising
two little girls and working at Mac’s Burger Express.
But providing for her family and taking care
of her toddlers, leaves the 23-year old little time to study for
her general equivalency degree. A few days ago, however, Pena received
a tool to ease her struggle.
She is one of approximately 200 families in
Cameron County who will receive computers with Internet access
and educational software in their homes, allowing them to further
their education.
“I feel very happy. It is an opportunity
so that I can educate myself and take care of my children too.
I am very grateful,” Pena said. “It’s difficult
to get to school. Sometimes I can’t find someone to give
me a ride or to take care of my children. And my work schedule
also makes it difficult, but with this, I have the opportunity
to finish high school and get my GED and care for my children.”
Pena’s computer was purchased through
U.S. Department of Labor funds funneled to the Texas Workforce
Center, and allocated in turn to Cameron Works, TWC’s local
arm.
The installation of the “In Home Learning
Systems” that are customized for work-force training participants
began Thursday.
Cameron Works is paying about $800,000 for
the software, testing, installation and customization.
Business Access of Dallas donated the computers
and is also installing them.
“When Cameron Works puts a computer in
someone’s home, they’re instantly connected to a world
of possibilities,” Dyalan Beamon, the firm’s business
development manager said.
There is no cost to the families, Cameron Works
Executive Director Stella Garcia said.
“They must commit to using the computer
and to stay in the program,” Garcia said. The participants
earn ownership of the system when the individual curriculum is
completed.
“The entire family is welcomed and encouraged
to use the PC and get e-mail accounts and access to the site as
well,” Garcia added.
Rey Guevara of Cameron Works noted that this
program was developed to meet the needs of the business community
for qualified employees.
“This is the beginning of that process.
We are talking about providing easier access to people who need
instructional services, but for whatever reason, have a barrier
and can’t make it to a workforce center,” Guevara said.
“This computer access makes it that much
easier as they work toward improving themselves and getting a better
education, “Guevara said.
Pena’s system was installed in her house
two days ago. “I feel a bit nervous, but I am very excited
about it,” she said.
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