Generation Gives Connects 10 Schools in Vieques to Internet

Team Generation Gives returned to Vieques 5 months after their initial recovery trip for Hurricane Maria. Joe Puthur and Tarah Read returned on January 30th with 52 boxes of Satellite technology to connect all 10 schools on the island to internet. Partnering with Vieques Love for financial support and local wifi technician, Hermer Marcano (FireFi Owner), the team worked together with more volunteers to set up connectivity. During the trip Joe and Tarah interviewed teachers and principles to find out more about their needs after the devastation and how they integrate technology in education

They found that technology in education was mostly non existent, which was exacerbated by having no connectivity 140 days after the storm.

Considering nearly all of the textbooks are outdated, at least a decade old, connectivity is even more important. The high school has 25 laptops that sat untouched this year due to lack of connectivity. Without offline educational software preloaded - a lack of connectivity renders any computers completely hindered. Without connectivity even administration functions, such as performance and attendance reporting were halted.

The middle school gets its name, 20 de Septiembre 1984, because it marks the date parents protested a lack of education for children in Vieques. A 7th grade science teacher, said “I have been teaching 7th grade science here for 14 years and have not received any updated textbooks”.

High speed internet is a requirement of education in todays world. With connectivity there are ample opportunities for education online, students can enhance their English skills with online learning games and distance learning organizations.

According to the Census Bureau in 2016, the median household income for a Viequense is $17,535 with 39.9% below the poverty line.

A trend that can only change with access to modern education resources.

The team is continuing to work on long term solutions for the future of Vieques and its residents, focusing on diversity in education through technology, teacher training, and more equal opportunities.

Volunteers plan to open an adult education center where students can take online courses and obtain their GED, as well as provide basic software like Microsoft Office. Online courses can also provide training for job certifications such as Pharmacy Technicians, Nurses, and Website Designers which will give the community greater opportunity while staying close to their families.