IN THE BEGINNING: New computer literacy and job skills program begins with meeting of good people

(photos by Tim Chavez)


A new computer literacy and job training skills program officially began this morning in Nashville with the meeting of diverse people who had known the other before.

All that joined an Irish -American named Joe and two citizens of India named Dinesh and Gobi was the goodness inside of all three of them and recognition of their common immigrant heritage. And it took an American of Mexican descent -- who made his fortune through use of a computer -- to bring them together Saturday morning behind a common cause.

And so Joe showed Dinesh and Gobi where they would begin to make a difference for people in Nashville needing help and hope. The computer center at St. Edward Catholic School will host more than 30 people for six to eight weeks to receive initial and advanced computer training.

I'll be on hand as director of the program and financial backer to remove any obstacles of language and attitude.

There are now some certainties to the program"

* It will begin the first week of February.

* Five computer experts from India will teach the course.

* Hispanics will be the first target group to be helped.

* Participant will pay $1 for each session and will be refunded the money at the end of the program based on attendance.

* These computer experts do want any pay. Incredible.

* The library at St. Edward Catholic School used to be mostly books. Now it is mostly computers -- 27 -- since there is so much information on the Internet.

* In a most surprising offer, Joe said this morning that he will provide a free, used and up-to-date computer to the students who attend all the classes and are ready to take off with a connected household and/or career.

* Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, which Joe founded and raised $2 million to stay open and pay off its debt, will provide the initial list of students.

* Over the next several weeks, the computer specialists will develop a curriculum. Take-home workbooks will be purchased. Language diversity in the program will be determined.

* I will remain the conduit through which these diverse people work together and develop long-lasting relationships.

* I will use all my influence to next take the program to the Mending Hearts organization, which serves women looking for a second chance at life after addiction, molestation and other troubles. Seventy percent of women in the program are Caucasian. Mending hearts is one of the 21 charities that will be helped with proceeds of the Music City Inaugural Charity Ball, of which I am a part. Tickets are still available. The computer program will be recognized at the ball as its major service program.

* I have another service program that also will be unveiled that night. Details about it will be available next week. Thankfully, I won't be directing that one as I re-engage my professional journalism career at and for the Williamson Herald in Franklin covering politics on the local, state and national level.

Buy a subscription now and enjoy the ride. I'll also be writing a daily blog on the newspaper's web site of at least seven news items of things that active readers need to know about what is happening in their community, state, nation, world, health and financial investments. So come and visit and even advertise your business or cause.

And so the beginning has begun. And brighter horizons for the people who will be helped and a better future for Nashville are the goals. Stay tuned to this blog for more updates. All the glory and praise belongs to God.