A COMPUTER and the internet is opening horizons for Doveton mother Suzzane Calgaret and her daughter Laquita.
They were one of 40 indigenous families in Melbourne’s south-east who have received a ‘tech pack’ from charity The Smith Family.
The pack includes a free whole-day computer class and a refurbished home computer with 12 months free internet access.
Ms Calgaret said she could now dispense with her three-year-old rental computer, which was bogged down with viruses and no internet.
It would also open doors for her further education, now that she has a fully-functioning IT resource.
“I left school early. I love looking up lots of stuff – history and culture, animal documentaries. I’m not into Facebook,” Ms Calgaret said.
It will also be a boon for six-year-old Laquita, who was overjoyed with the gift.
“Her school uses computers to teach the
children. Most of her homework is done on the computer now,” Ms Calgaret said.
The Smith Family’s state general manager Heather Le Roy said the program helped low-income families share in the benefits of technology.
“Computer skills are an important part of everyday life but there is a lot of work to be done to ensure disadvantaged families aren’t missing out on this technology.
“Only 55 per cent of households in the lowest income bracket have home internet access, compared to 95 per cent in the highest income bracket.”
The tech packs program is run with help from the Department of Planning and Community Development and Chisholm Institute.
