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Staff writer - Keisha Gaspard
As we all know, Christmas is the season for giving, that time of year where people dig deep down into their pockets to give to those in need. However there are many ways in which we can give of our talents, technologies and finances to help those in need:
- Help build a website – there are many software developers that are contributing their extra time throughout the year to assist in the development of an application for the betterment of mankind. Open source technologies play a major role in our daily activities and social networking tools. Many NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) need dire assistance due to lack of marketing and awareness of their cause, a good website can counter these issues and help forward the cause of the organization. If you cannot physically build it, you can sponsor the web hosting, perhaps the labor costs.
- Database Administrator – NGOs are known for their wealth of information; it contains files on families that need assistance, children that need homes and much more, statistics that can be very useful in analyzing and fixing many social ailments in today’s society. Data warehousing and data marts (http://www.aaxnet.com/topics/dwdm.html) will be a useful tool once applied to the already existing data that is housed in NGOs, not to mention a proper database can be used for the improved efficiency of operations.
- Refurbish your old P.C. – How many personal computers have you at home that is missing a hard drive or simply too slow? Perhaps some keys are missing or the desktop has no lure for you anymore? Then without much effort you can have that computer refurbished and donate to an orphanage that would be greatly appreciated and made full use of. It will promote computer literacy amongst youths and full appreciation of the role technology plays within our society.
- Sponsor an orphanage internet – Orphanages, those privately operated, need assistance from persons who wish to partner that they may have the ability to positively impact a child’s life. Internet, more specifically Google, has become an important learning tool for our generation and those after us. Providing one child with this never limited encyclopedia of facts will without a doubt increase a child’s aptitude for learning and thereby enrichment of life.
- Teach computer literacy to the elderly – How many of our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers have Facebook accounts? The elderly in our society are often left out and ostracized for being perceived as incapable or slow in learning. Keeping them in the loop, so to speak, will no doubt improve their quality of life. They would be able to communicate with long lost friends, keep in touch with children and grand-children on a daily basis as well as simply read and be entertained. Assisting one elder in computer literacy is perhaps one of the greatest gifts one can give for Christmas.
What do you think is missing from this list? What gift can you give this Christmas? Whichever gift you give will be well received and contribute to the overall social development of the Caribbean. There are many NGOs that are patiently yet urgently waiting for one person to volunteer their time and talent, is that person you?
