Project #1-Computer Lab

We thought we should probably fill you in on one of the projects we've been spending much of our time on. Before we arrived in Accompong, JACOM already had plans and most of the infrastructure in place to start an internet cafe way out here in the Jamaican bush. That's right, lucky us! Most of the work was already done. Since we've been here, high-speed internet was brought into the community -not an easy, nor cheap feat, and we were able to open up an internet cafe. Cost for internet is J$60/30 minutes, comparable or cheaper than most other internet cafes in St. Elizabeth, not to mention the fact that a taxi ride to the closest internet cafe from Accompong is J$140 one way. What a steal, huh? We're still trying to convince some of our community members of this deal, as many of them think we're overpriced. But most of these unhappy customers are in high school and would complain that it was too expensive even if it were free. Plus, that's just part of Jamaican culture, to try and haggle any price, any opportunity to get the best deal. By the way, Jamaican teenagers are much like Americans, in that they aren't spending their time researching for their next school paper, but rather they are on facebook, youtube, and instant messenger. At any given time you can walk into our internet cafe, and chances are extremely high that all five computers will be logged onto facebook. As I've said to Matt many times, facebook keeps us in business.

Speaking of researching information on the web, we're pretty sure that most of our computer users don't even know what Google is, much less how to use it. We've helped many people set up their first email account, identify the little Mozilla fox that opens up the internet, and of course create a facebook profile. Which leads to the second aspect of our computer lab: computer class. We've started with Primary School students as we have many programs readily available that are appropriate for them. However, we have hopes of eventually teaching to jr. highers, high schoolers, and adults. It has been quite the experience to see some of these kids and adults use the computer for the first time, and to realize how intimidating it must be when you don't even know where the 'on' button is. (And yes, the kids are playing educational computer games in the pictures.)

Speaking of games, one of the neat things about our internet cafe is that it's more or less become the cool hangout spot for 15-25 yr olds. This has been nice for a couple of reasons. It makes the time there more interesting and fun for us, but it also has helped us to develop relationships with some of the hardest people in our community to get to know. The internet cafe provides a structured setting, but one that's fun to be around for the average Jamaican teen. We do end up doing a lot of monitoring as a result. Just the other day, one of the boys was riding a bike at the center while smoking a spliff, and Matt got onto him, “Hey man, you know you can't have that around here.” He responded, “What is it going to do, burn up the bike?” Jamaicans never seem to lack for wit.

Anyway, we only have 5 computers available, which is more than most communities. However, it seems that most of our usual crew comes up at the same time, all 15 or so of them. (The other night we counted 21 there at one time.) They don't all use the computer. Well, at least each individual isn't a paying customer, because hardly ever do you see one person/computer. Maroons share everything, including computers. And besides, whether or not you come to use the internet, it's fun to hang out with your peers. In the meantime, why not have a group juggle with a soccer ball while you wait for a computer to free up? Or chat with the strange whities in your community? Or smoke a spliff while riding a bicycle?

I'd write more, but I have to get back to hanging out with my bredren here at the internet cafe.