The Positive Impact – More Than I Imagined!
by Mark Haney
“¡Muchas gracias por las computadoras!” The interpreter translated the young boy’s fast little hand movements into words.
I struggled with high school Spanish, but understood enough to reply “De nada.” Having never learned sign language, I awkwardly struggled even more with the sign for “You’re welcome.”
With that, he ran as fast as he could to get to one of the remaining open computer stations. He was so excited to learn how to use the keyboard, mouse, cool games and new tools. What followed was a whirlwind of mouse pointing, laughing, keyboard typing, smiling, me desperately searching for an interpreter, and hugs… lots of hugs.
That was part of the first trip – one computer lab of, now, five that the Retail Orphan Initiative has installed in schools, orphanages, and homes in the Dominican Republic. During that trip, we installed 30 computers in three locations: a school for deaf children, a school in an impoverished neighborhood, and a home for children rescued from trafficking.
On our second trip, we installed 24 more computers in two more locations: a home for children with HIV, and a school that serves those children. Each location had its many challenges and far greater rewards. Our second trip enabled us to see what some never get to realize. We were able to see firsthand the impact that the first trip had had on those children. The positive impact was much more than I imagined it could be when I stepped off the plane on the first trip. These computer labs had given opportunity and hope to children who struggled even to survive. They were learning, putting that knowledge to use, and building on it.
When the second trip came to a close, many of us made a commitment to return and do all we could to enrich the lives of the children we had met and fallen in love with. Our visits revealed need on top of need, so trying to choose where to focus our efforts became hard.
We narrowed our sights on Hogar de Niños Tía Tatiana School, an inner-city school located in Herrera, a slum in Santo Domingo. Overrun with drugs, gangs, and prostitution, Herrera is a dangerous place for children; but their school provides a safe haven and a chance for a better life. Founded by a Christian Dominican woman named Tatiana, Hogar de Niños Tía Tatiana School serves over 500 children with an outdated computer lab that is in dire need of updates and upgrades. They use the equipment extensively and even provide training in various programming languages.
As a group, we decided to make this our next project and travel to install in November of 2014. It will be our largest single Dominican Republic project to date. This school needs 30 computers replaced. Having witnessed the change these computer labs bring to these children, I know we can make this wish we have for them come true. We must. To make it a reality, we need your help. We need your help to bring the world of opportunity to places that need it the most. Through financial donations, through hardware donations, through sharing the need; I know we can accomplish this. There are many ways you can help:
Donate at Donations
If you have computer equipment being retired and want to donate, contact us at MHaney@TulsaCash.com
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at MHaney@TulsaCash.com