The 21st century is known as the age of computers, and today, computers have become essential. Hence, it is extremely important for Tibetan refugees to be computer-literate to make their lives easier and expand their job opportunities.
Lha started its computer training program with just a few computers and it is also one of our earliest projects. In 2008, we bought more than 10 new computers and introduced beginners and intermediate computer classes. Now, we have a well-established computer training program that aims to provide its students with viable job skills for the future. Here, we provide students with computer training in both a beginners course and more complex software skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign as an intermediate course.
On a regular basis, 15 to 20 students attend our month long computer classes. So far, 230 students have benefited from our free computer classes and we have also created opportunities for some Tibetans working in nongovernment organizations to get the training free of cost. We have conducted 12 web design and web management courses which benefited 127 students.
Since Lha started this project 17 years ago, 2,955 students have benefited from our computer classes. We also offer special courses, depending on the availability of professional volunteers in a particular field. For example, we have had volunteers who are professional web designers and Photoshop experts. Thanks to these volunteers, we have been able to organize several web design classes. In the beginners class, teachers instruct students in typing, internet access and sending emails. The students also learn Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Power Point. In the intermediate computer class, instruction is focused on gaining proficiency in Adobe, InDesign and Photoshop. Approximately 20 students attend our computer courses each month. In the past, Lha has offered full scholarships to exiled Tibetans associated with other NGOs, such as the Tibetan Women’s Association, Tibetan Youth Congress, Regional Youth Congress, the Kunphen Center, the Tibetan Welfare Office and numerous others.
In 2009 and 2010, several groups of students from Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) in Taiwan came to Lha to teach computer basics to Tibetan students as part of a cultural exchange program.
Lha is always looking for volunteers with skills in graphic design or other computer-related fields to share their knowledge with our students. The CYCU students taught three different two-hour sessions each day and then awarded CYCU recognition certificates at the end of the course.
Additionally, Lha often works with graphic designers to update our websites and keep our fundraising and promotional materials current. We are also very interested in working with video editors and other film professionals to develop informational and promotional materials.
Apart from introducing Lha students to basic computer knowledge, one of the most striking results of our computer classes has been creating a platform where amateur Tibetan web-designers, web-managers and western professionals in this field can work together. This opportunity was helped Tibetans to learn from the professionals and as a result, to work independently in the Tibetan community.
We hope to create more opportunities through this program in both basic computer skills and providing the foundation for further exploration.
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