City Begins Net Literacy Program to Benefit Residents

The City of Fort Wayne has launched its Net Literacy Fort Wayne program. The program is one of the City'€™s iTeams. Last year, Mayor Graham Richard created iTeams to promote innovation and investment. Net Literacy Fort Wayne is based on the Central Indiana cross generational program.

At a recent kickoff meeting, nine Fort Wayne Community Schools students participated in phase 1 of the Net Literacy'€“Senior Connects training program. Student volunteers spent two hours in orientation preparing for senior instruction, discussing teaching styles and discovering how to maximize classroom success while training senior citizens on basic Internet skills. The program is intended to empower young people to increase computer availability and Internet literacy for underserved youth, families and seniors.

Net Literacy iTeam partners include the City of Fort Wayne, Verizon, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Fort Wayne Urban League, Asset Forwarding, Adaptive Micro-Ware, and Humanizing Technologies. Last year in Central Indiana, the Senior Connects program collected over 500 computers, built or enhanced public computer labs in nearly 70 independent and assisted living facilities, and taught senior citizens Internet skills.

The Net Literacy partners have also been collecting computers for use by those in need. Net Literacy has collected over 200 computers. Businesses interested in donating five or more gently used computers should call 1-866-437-4258, extension 203 to arrange for free pickup by Asset Forwarding. Anyone with less than five computers can drop them off at the loading dock of the Standard Federal Building, 200 E. Main St. Free business pickups and drop-offs will continue through Wednesday, February 15. All donations are tax deductible.