Another step forward for Nicaraguan children’s computer program

Nicaraguan deaconesses pose with new laptop bags and surge protectors.

NICARAGUA – The Children’s Computer Education program in Nicaragua took another step forward in May with the delivery of laptop carrying bags and surge protectors for deaconesses in the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN).

These items may seem small to North Americans but they have been received with great joy by the Nicaragua church. The surge protectors will help minimize computer damage that occurs due to power level fluctuations, a common problem in Nicaragua. These laptop bags themselves were produced by the ILSN’s sewing school, an institute that teaches women employable skills.

This milestone is the latest in a series for the Children’s Computer Program over the last three years. First, about seventy laptops had to be obtained, refurbished, and shipped from Canada to Nicaragua before the program could begin. Lesson plans for students then had to be developed and tested with the children at local ILSN schools, and a training team of deaconesses had to be trained in the basics of computers, including the operating system Ubuntu and word processing program LibreOffice.

This training team then provided bi-monthly training to deaconesses throughout the ILSN schools. This team also visited local schools to train students and assist deaconesses in computer use. In January 2015, a member of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) visited Nicaragua to provide on-site computer support and training to 20 deaconesses and further offered a half day computer training session for the wider community. LCC also anticipates providing further field computer training in December 2015.

The Computer Education program is just one part of the larger Children’s Education program supported by LCC and the ILSN. The program provides children with support in their school studies, but also provides spiritual instruction in the Christian faith.

Details on this project, as well as others, are available from LCC’s website. LCC’s Committee for Missions and Social Ministry requests your continued prayers and support. If you would like practical ideas on how you can help—by helping transport laptops to Nicaragua, for example, or through financial support—please contact LCC’s Executive for Missions and Social Ministry, Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel at missions@lutheranchurch.ca or by phone at 1-800-588-4226 ext. 2215.

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