Posted: 05/05/2010

PECT Spring Course
With the return of stability to the Meheba Settlement in March, attendance at the Peace Education and Computer Training course significantly improved. As a result, the PECT teachers have been able to make substantial progress with training their students! The class is now focusing on Microsoft Publisher and specifically, on developing brochures. All 13 students are already proficient at using and formatting clip art and they are now learning how to effectively create layouts. Jean and Odilla are very pleased with their students’ work and the class is still on track to graduate in May.

And, more good news — all of the course's students have already paid in full for their participation in the spring course! As a result, 100,000 zmk has been collected that will be used to augment future program costs. The PECT team is very excited at this development and its indications for the project's future. Because these students have invested in their learning, the PECT program has taken a major step towards becoming self-sustaining!

The PECT staff is also currently looking for new computers. Recently, some of the program’s machines have experienced operating problems. Jean and Odilla are trying to repair these computers and until new machines are found, they have coordinated with other FORGE offices to use their Toughbooks. However, the damaged machines need to be replaced and both teachers are committed to ensuring their students have access to reliable computers and software.

What's Next
The PECT team took time this past month to further develop a plan to supply the Meheba Settlement with Internet access. Currently, the Project Coordinators and Site Manager are performing a broad survey across the camp to gage potential interest in an internet café; these results will build off a questionnaire the team circulated in December.

Over the course of April, Jean, Odilla and the PECT Site Manager will conduct feasibility tests to determine if Internet can be reliably provided within the camp and where it could be best supported. If these tests’ results are positive, a final proposal for the project will be submitted as a Taft Refugee Grant to the U.S. State Department. The PECT team is hopeful that this application will prove successful so their plans can be realized.