The North West Computer Institute (NWCI) was on Saturday launched in Mabaruma, after a year of introducing information technology to the region and blossoming into an NGO.

According to a press release the NWCI was opened at Broomes Guesthouse. Regional Chairman Fermin Singh told an audience including all the region’s heads of departments, church leaders and businessmen that the opening is a celebration of a year of successfully hosting computer literacy classes.

According to a press release, in January the Christian Community Computer Learning Centre opened its doors offering courses such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and basic computer skills to Region One. Since then seven classes have been completed. During this time more than ten residents were hired to teach and support the Centre. It was then expanded into an NGO and rebranded as the NWCI.

The release said the NWCI’s mission is “to strategically use resources to increase computer literacy, provide computer related services and increase technical and teaching job opportunities throughout the region.” It comprises multiple computer community centres cooperating to educate the region. The first branches in Hosororo, Kumaka, Hobo and Wauna serve over 15 communities and provided access and some employment for youth. NWCI said one of its roles is to provide positive alternatives to youth to engage in meaningful activities.

The release said the board comprises Shirley Jeffrey, chairman; Nigel Fisher, vice-chairman; Romauld Baharally, treasurer and Dr Ferlin Narine, secretary. The other members are Bob Bollers, Fr Jaime Lalaguna, Joe Latchmenarine, Sharlene Jeffrey and Yvonne Hercules.

The group is benefiting from technical assistance in the form of IT training, board development, strategic planning, proposal writing and registration from Kerron Kalloo, US Peace Corps Volunteer.

The NWCI has four designated sites. In keeping with this it is seeking partnerships to build its branches with the necessary components to run sustainable computer learning centres.  The NWCI is approaching community democratic councils in the region, larger computer hardware retail firms, computer learning institutions and funding agencies to create these partnerships. Firms interested in collaborating with the NWCI are asked to contact Kalloo at telephone number 682-6368 or Shirley Jeffrey at 665-8744.