The Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada) launched a new initiative yesterday in association with Vodafone and Qtel which will connect people with disabilities to information and communication technology (ICT).
Named ‘Connected’, the programme aims to provide nationwide accessibility to people with disabilities, while ensuring that those in the segment don’t have to pay more than others to use mobile telecommunications technology, officials said yesterday.
Over the next weeks, people with disabilities in Qatar will have access to a wide range of accessible and affordable services and products.
This includes assistive technology (AT) software and accessories, specialised handsets, website accessibility, and greater access to both Qtel and Vodafone Qatar stores.
Mada CEO Faleh al-Naemi said: “This is part of ongoing efforts by Mada and our industry partners to build an accessible ICT ecosystem in Qatar.”
Mada was launched through the combined initiative of ictQATAR (The Supreme Council of Information and Community Technology), Vodafone, Qtel, Qatar National Bank (QNB), and Microsoft, with a vision of ICT for all, and provides AT to people with disabilities.
Based on a vision of a world with information communication technology for all, Mada provides assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities.
The initiative has seen the coming together of Qtel and Vodafone, whose representatives along with al-Naemi signed agreements for the programme yesterday.
Qtel CEO Dr Nasser Marafih said: “Telecommunications transforms people’s lives, and that’s just how we see our broader mission at Qtel. Working with Mada, we are realising an important corporate goal of providing access for all, making the latest assistive communications technologies readily and easily accessible and affordable for people with disabilities throughout Qatar.”
According to him, Qtel’s own ‘Access for All’ straddles core elements of special discounts, special handsets and accessories, accessible branches, and a dedicated website.
Vodafone Qatar legal, regulatory & external relations director, Mathew Harrison-Harvey, said: “As Qatar aspires to build a fully connected society, Vodafone is proud to leverage its expertise through our partnership with Mada.
“It is part of our responsibilities to contribute by making communication more accessible for everyone.This includes handsets, tariffs and services that are specifically tailored to people with disabilities.”
Speaking to the media later, Dr Marafih said Mada’s innovative work can be copied throughout the region.
“We surely see this working in the markets we operate in,” he said. Harrison-Harvey also agreed while pointing out that Vodafone’s global outreach and expertise will be utilised to support the initiative.
Source:
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=403366&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Korean program trains seniors to use mobile phones -Future Gov.Asia - 28 December
In an effort to narrow the digital gap between generations, a telecoms company and a non-government organisation in Korea has teamed up to train older citizens on how to use mobile phones.
“This program not only teaches the elderly how to use mobile devices but also helps narrow the digital gap between the elderly and other groups in society,” Irene Kim, SKTelecom press officer, told FutureGov Asia Pacific Magazine.
“It also contributes to increase communication among different generations as the elderly and the college students who volunteer in this program get a chance to understand each other.”
The training comes with different levels of expertise. The program’s basic course teaches the elderly how to send text/photo messages and use a mobile phone camera.
The intensive course includes more complicated procedures such as transferring data to computers by connecting the mobile phone to a PC and how to take mobile videos and use other value-added services.
“Furthermore, they are taught how to protect themselves from mobile phone-related crimes like voice phishing and spam messaging,” Kim adds.
All senior citizens who are members of Senior Welfare Centres within the association can apply for and receive training, she said.
The Korea Communications Commission announced in November an implementation plan for closing the digital divide caused by unequal access to smart mobile services.
Kim said: “ICT can truly enrich the lives of the elderly with the support of useful programs that help them get familiar to and benefit from cutting-edge technologies and services.
“Through this initiative, social problems—such as the digital divide, the generation gap etc—that are stemming from rapid technological development, can be gradually resolved.
Source: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2010/dec/28/korean-program-trains-seniors-use-mobile-phones/
“This program not only teaches the elderly how to use mobile devices but also helps narrow the digital gap between the elderly and other groups in society,” Irene Kim, SKTelecom press officer, told FutureGov Asia Pacific Magazine.
“It also contributes to increase communication among different generations as the elderly and the college students who volunteer in this program get a chance to understand each other.”
The training comes with different levels of expertise. The program’s basic course teaches the elderly how to send text/photo messages and use a mobile phone camera.
The intensive course includes more complicated procedures such as transferring data to computers by connecting the mobile phone to a PC and how to take mobile videos and use other value-added services.
“Furthermore, they are taught how to protect themselves from mobile phone-related crimes like voice phishing and spam messaging,” Kim adds.
All senior citizens who are members of Senior Welfare Centres within the association can apply for and receive training, she said.
The Korea Communications Commission announced in November an implementation plan for closing the digital divide caused by unequal access to smart mobile services.
Kim said: “ICT can truly enrich the lives of the elderly with the support of useful programs that help them get familiar to and benefit from cutting-edge technologies and services.
“Through this initiative, social problems—such as the digital divide, the generation gap etc—that are stemming from rapid technological development, can be gradually resolved.
Source: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2010/dec/28/korean-program-trains-seniors-use-mobile-phones/
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Assistive Technology Supporting People With Disabilities – AT-Center – 24 Nov 2010
Traditionally people with disabilities have had to lean on others for assistance with housing, meal preparation, bathing and other activities of daily living. Today, many people with disabilities are living independently and performing these activities all by themselves. This trend is due to the creation of assistive technology for those that they are disabled. Assistive technology can be defined as the tools that are used by people with disabilities that enable them to complete their tasks of daily living in a functional and easy way.
A few examples of assistive technological devices are telephones with the telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), computer programs with text-to-speech software for reading and spelling and sip and puff device for an electric wheelchair.
The TDD telephone converts typed characters into certain tones that may be sent over telephone lines. Another type of this service involves an operator reading what a deaf person types and hearing person says, and then converts the text/verbal words accordingly. TDD communications is also used on televisions for many regular sitcoms, game shows and sporting events.
Text-to-speech software programs are great for those with visual impairments, dyslexia or dysphagia. These programs can take words that the computer user speaks and convert it into typed text on the screen. The program can also take written text and read it aloud to the computer user. These types of devices make it possible for many disabled people to attend college, trade school or find gainful employment.
A sit and puff device for an electric wheelchair can allow a catastrophically disabled person to successfully navigate their own wheelchair. The device uses the inhalations and exhalations of the wheelchair user to go forward, backward, turn and go faster or slower. This makes it much easier for both the disabled person and their caregiver to leave the home and enter the community for medical appointments, recreation and special outings.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Technology puts mind over body – Bangkok Post – 24 Nov 2010
Disabled people can communicate and operate electronic devices just with the power of thought
Quadriplegics face many obstacles, such as full or partial loss of movement and/or speech, but new technology called the Brain Computer Interface (BCI) could improve the quality of life for victims by responding to brain signals and enabling control of certain electrical devices.
The BCI response is becoming ever more realistic thanks to continuing work at the Brain Computer Interface Lab Department of Biomedical Engineering Principle Researcher, Center of Biomedical Mahidol University
Lab director Yodchanan Wongsawat, speaking after the Thailand
The technology use sensors to detect brain activity and amplify signals, which can then be processed into messages or commands to aid decision-making.
This information is sent wirelessly to a receiver. Currently, the lab has developed a prototype of "iThink 2", the second version of BCI which helps to control electrical devices via brain signals.
The three year projects, developed with funding of 5.8 million baht from Tridi, are aimed at developing solutions to allow severely disabled people to use their thoughts to operate a "visual stimulation unit" _ a virtual remote control _ which could be used to operate home electronic devices such as televisions.
When users look at the visual remote control, the sensor can detect their instructions via EEG electrodes and an EEG amplifier and then transmit their brain activity to a receiver that converts analogue signals to digital.
This process, known as Pattern Recognition Algorithm, then wirelessly sends the user's instructions to the target devices over a range of around 20 to 30 metres.
"We need to further develop the visual stimulation unit so that brain signals are strengthened and commands are processed quicker," said Yodchanan.
"We also need to spend more time training users. Our goal is to achieve an accuracy rate of 90 to 95 percent."
The lab is also working on a prototype of a wheelchair that can be controlled using BCI technology.
In this model, the sensor will detect brain signal activity and connect this with an amplifier and control box to operate the wheelchair's joystick.
In initial tests, the BCI wheelchair has seen an average usage time of one or two hours before brain signals weakened or users became too tired. The next step is to conduct clinical trials of the device, and then to negotiate pricing with manufacturers. Yodchanan hopes the wheelchair, which will be the first of its kind in Thailand, will be sold for 20,000-30,000 baht.
As well as controlling wheelchairs and home devices, the BCI technology can be applied to many other areas, such as facilitating writing by enabling the user to select letters and other targets on a computer screen without any muscular movement, or to remotely control games, robotic arms or other electronic movements.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr Toshio Obi, Director of the Waseda University's Apec e-Government Research Center in Tokyo, added that there is a need for governments to expand mobile broadband development by targeting a broader range of rural citizens with diverse information needs, ranging from mobile commerce, agriculture and education to government issues, healthcare and disaster reduction.
In his view, the use of mobile technologies for disaster reduction is important because research shows that 80 percent of people injured in such incidents will be the elderly and/or disabled.
Senator Monthian Buntan said that expanding broadband would require focusing not only on universal access across all geographical areas, but also on improving human functions.
For example, to ensure accessibility for all, products and services should have a universal design; and assistive technologies for special needs persons should be provided.
"Information communication technology which assists senior citizens, pregnant women, disabled people or those with impaired speech will has huge business potential," said Senator Monthian.
"Whether in the analogue or digital world, inclusive technology will help bring us all closer together."
National Telecommunications of Thailand (NTC) has announced a telecommunication equipment standard draft that has to support a public telephone standard, according to Torpong Selanon, at the NTC.
The standard mainly covers universal design that facilitates equal access use for all, including disabled and senior citizens, such as bigger displays, space for wheelchair access, and so on.
Next year, Torpong expects that 10,000 public telephones across Thailand will comply with this standard. NTC is also aiming at establishing a design standard for fixed lines and mobile phones so that keyboard typing is a feature on all handsets.
Article 27 of the recent NBTC bill supports equal access, while Article 50 mentions a plan for universal service sand accessibility for telecommunication for any group of people, regardless of geographical location or disabilities and other human factors.
Furthermore, Article 52 NBTC supports assistive technology for underprivileged, disabled and senior citizens.
In Thailand, around 1 million disabled people are registered with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, although the National Statistical Office estimates there is a total of 2 million disabled people and 6 to 7 million elderly people nationwide.
NTC has also allocated 18 million baht to set up a Telecommunication For Disabled and Elderly People Showcase Centre in collaboration with Nectec under the Ministry of Science and Technology. This centre will provide all assistive technologies available on the market to increase awareness of such devices and services, and will also take a mobile roadshow of the same into communities.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Habitat-Redemtech project - Bridging the digital divide: Low-income families enjoy cast-off PCs - December 16, 2010
By Todd R. Weiss
Eliana Gomez moved into a Habitat home in Columbus last December. It's the first home that Gomez, a native of Mexico, has ever owned. Her family also received a computer through the Habitat-Redemtech program, and she says that she and her three children find the machine extraordinarily helpful.
"My 8-year-old uses it more than anybody. He likes to do his homework on the computer. He knows how to use it, and he's teaching me sometimes," she says. "My daughter, she is 2, likes to play Dora on the computer."
Eliana Gomez with her son, Jacob, 8, daughter Leticia, 2, and Redemtech volunteers, Laurie and Chris Williams, who installed the PC in the Gomez home.
Gomez says her family hasn't been able to afford Internet access yet, but the PC is nonetheless giving her children opportunities that they didn't have before. And for her part, she says, learning to use the computer at home is opening doors to new opportunities at work. Her employer has asked her to be a manager, and she's working on her computer skills to reach that goal, she says.
"I didn't know how to use a computer," she says. "I go to classes. I like to do that."
Companies that donate old computers make more money through tax savings than they would by simply selling their unneeded equipment, says Robert Houghton, president of Redemtech. The companies making the donations pay Redemtech to refurbish and redistribute the equipment, at a cost that's lower than what they would end up spending if they tried to donate the machines on their own, he says.
Redemtech has set up its own internal program called the Serious Good project to promote the fact that businesses that donate their old IT equipment can enjoy increased tax benefits while helping low-income families.
How innovative is the Serious Good Program? In a recent research note, IT analyst firm Gartner Inc. said the program could truly help businesses find better ways to donate old gear. "Gartner has long advised enterprises to be cautious when donating used IT equipment to charitable organizations, because the process can be labor-intensive and requires careful planning, asset preparation and documentation," while exposing donor companies to significant liability if the recipient organization subsequently fails to dispose of the equipment properly, Gartner wrote.
The Serious Good initiative can mitigate those types of risks, according to Gartner, because Redemtech acts as an intermediary to "streamline the process from end to end, minimizing end-of-life liability risk by including no-charge recycling as a standard part of the process, and ensuring the recipient gets a high-value, working asset. These relatively low-risk IT asset donations can be attractive to an enterprise's corporate social responsibility area."
But beyond just helping with tax breaks and making companies feel good that their old computer equipment is being put to good use, the bottom line is that families truly benefit from the Habitat-Redemtech project, Houghton says.
"Habitat has changed the paradigm so that safe, affordable housing has to include a computer," he says. "They've identified that eliminating that digital exclusion is a necessary part of setting up a family in one of their homes."
Source URL: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9200984/Bridging_the_digital_divide_Low_income_families_enjoy_cast_off_PCs?taxonomyId=64&pageNumber=2
Habitat for Humanity
URL: http://www.habitat.org/
Serious Good Project (Redemtech own internal program)
http://www.redemtech.com/seriousgood/default.aspx
Redemtech has set up its own internal program called the Serious Good project to promote the fact that businesses that donate their old IT equipment can enjoy increased tax benefits while helping low-income families.
Eliana Gomez moved into a Habitat home in Columbus last December. It's the first home that Gomez, a native of Mexico, has ever owned. Her family also received a computer through the Habitat-Redemtech program, and she says that she and her three children find the machine extraordinarily helpful.
"My 8-year-old uses it more than anybody. He likes to do his homework on the computer. He knows how to use it, and he's teaching me sometimes," she says. "My daughter, she is 2, likes to play Dora on the computer."
Eliana Gomez with her son, Jacob, 8, daughter Leticia, 2, and Redemtech volunteers, Laurie and Chris Williams, who installed the PC in the Gomez home.
Gomez says her family hasn't been able to afford Internet access yet, but the PC is nonetheless giving her children opportunities that they didn't have before. And for her part, she says, learning to use the computer at home is opening doors to new opportunities at work. Her employer has asked her to be a manager, and she's working on her computer skills to reach that goal, she says.
"I didn't know how to use a computer," she says. "I go to classes. I like to do that."
Companies that donate old computers make more money through tax savings than they would by simply selling their unneeded equipment, says Robert Houghton, president of Redemtech. The companies making the donations pay Redemtech to refurbish and redistribute the equipment, at a cost that's lower than what they would end up spending if they tried to donate the machines on their own, he says.
Redemtech has set up its own internal program called the Serious Good project to promote the fact that businesses that donate their old IT equipment can enjoy increased tax benefits while helping low-income families.
How innovative is the Serious Good Program? In a recent research note, IT analyst firm Gartner Inc. said the program could truly help businesses find better ways to donate old gear. "Gartner has long advised enterprises to be cautious when donating used IT equipment to charitable organizations, because the process can be labor-intensive and requires careful planning, asset preparation and documentation," while exposing donor companies to significant liability if the recipient organization subsequently fails to dispose of the equipment properly, Gartner wrote.
The Serious Good initiative can mitigate those types of risks, according to Gartner, because Redemtech acts as an intermediary to "streamline the process from end to end, minimizing end-of-life liability risk by including no-charge recycling as a standard part of the process, and ensuring the recipient gets a high-value, working asset. These relatively low-risk IT asset donations can be attractive to an enterprise's corporate social responsibility area."
But beyond just helping with tax breaks and making companies feel good that their old computer equipment is being put to good use, the bottom line is that families truly benefit from the Habitat-Redemtech project, Houghton says.
"Habitat has changed the paradigm so that safe, affordable housing has to include a computer," he says. "They've identified that eliminating that digital exclusion is a necessary part of setting up a family in one of their homes."
Source URL: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9200984/Bridging_the_digital_divide_Low_income_families_enjoy_cast_off_PCs?taxonomyId=64&pageNumber=2
Habitat for Humanity
URL: http://www.habitat.org/
Serious Good Project (Redemtech own internal program)
http://www.redemtech.com/seriousgood/default.aspx
Redemtech has set up its own internal program called the Serious Good project to promote the fact that businesses that donate their old IT equipment can enjoy increased tax benefits while helping low-income families.
Cycle of failure breeds youth violence - Young Singaporeans live up to the expectations and labels - bad and good - we place on them - Today Online
Dec 04, 2010
by Glenn Lim
In George Bernard Shaw's classic Pygmalion, phonetics expert Professor Higgins attempts to make a lady out of an uneducated Cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle as a kind of social experiment. I was particularly intrigued by her comment at one point:
"You see, apart from the things anyone can pick up (the dressing and the proper way of speaking and so on), the difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves but how she's treated.
"I shall always be a flower girl to Professor Higgins because he always treats me as a flower girl and always will. But I know I can be a lady to you because you always treat me as a lady and always will."
The notion that one person can "transform" another has long been an interest of discourse in the field of behavioural psychology and recognised by counsellors, physicians, teachers and parents. The way we treat youth is subtly influenced by how we view them. If our expectations are high, youth reciprocate with corresponding behaviour. If expectations are low, it will likely lead to lower functioning behaviour and performance than they are capable of.
In light of the recent spate of youth violence and gangs, one wonders how such behaviour can manifest itself in civil and safe Singapore. Is it due to parental or family issues? Negative peer influence? The media?
There are various factors that help explain this problem but one possible, overlooked reason lies in the context of how our youth are brought up today.
While Singapore boasts of a modern and advanced society, young people struggle to cope with the demands of living in a first-world country, such as academic expectations and the value placed on knowledge capital. This inevitably leaves in its wake a trail of disenfranchised youth who slip through the system's cracks.
Society then puts labels on such youth for easy reference - out-of-school youth, beyond parental control, youth-at-risk, delinquents, offenders and so on. Even in schools, we have neat little categorical references for them, notably the streaming system - Normal Academic and Technical streams (remember the EM streaming in primary schools before it was revamped in 2004?).
While I have nothing against categorisation for the purposes of developing a more targeted and tailored programme for youth, there are negative effects of such labelling. Youth live up to those names and negative images we place on them. This further drives them into maladaptive behaviours as a means to cope with perceived failure.
The cycle is set: We see them as failures, we treat them as failures; they see themselves as failures and, ultimately, behave as failures.
I have interviewed and counselled inmates from prisons, institutions and halfway houses in my course of work and, without exception, their perception of how others view them goes something like: "They don't think much of me." Of course, this may not be true as a fact. After all, it is just their perception. But we can immediately observe the cycle of failure at work here.
AVOIDING TROUBLE IS NOT ENOUGH
So what do we need to do?
In my years of working successfully with offending-prone youth, I have relied on some helpful principles that inform our intervention programmes. These are some of them.
The "strengths" approach: As a philosophy, this states that all youth are success stories waiting to be unfolded. From an existential point of view, all humans have in them the innate potential for being good and doing good. We need to focus on strengths as a way of creating a positive vision for youth to work towards.
It can be in their areas of interest or passion. Adult caregivers can help youth tap into what they are good at by affirming their positive qualities and creating avenues for them to thrive. Research has proven that youth who work at their strengths experience a greater sense of achievement, develop confidence and exhibit pro-social behaviour.
The "remove and replace" principle: An absence of problems is not sufficient for leading a purposeful life. Never be satisfied when your child merely demonstrates delinquent-free behaviour. Young people need to also embark on purposeful goals - that is why adopting a purely preventive model in working with youth is inadequate.
Adults need to help youth identify positive behaviour and activities that fill the void when negative traits are removed. I have observed many juvenile delinquents turn around, not because they were able to curb themselves from engaging in vices but because they immersed themselves in new and meaningful activities.
MENTORS DO CHANGE LIVES
Many aspects of self-efficacy and socio-emotional skills are not developed in the formal domains of education. Having a mentor has proven to be beneficial in helping youth regulate their negative emotions and build self-esteem.
Young people model their behaviours and attitudes after people they admire and respect; character and values are best caught than taught. Youth learn faster when these traits are modelled through a positive relationship.
I know of a form teacher who took over a notorious class. Her students made the discipline master's who's who list for detention class. Defiance, truancy and fights were common issues she had to handle. The first three months was challenging but she persevered. She saw in each of her students a star that needed to be brought out into the open and changed her strategy. For the next few months, she forced herself to fix personal appointments with a different student every day during recess. In that short half-hour, she would eat with them, affirm their positive qualities and encourage them to do their best. She showed genuine care and concern.
In the course of the following semester, you could sense a change of disposition in at least half her class, many of whom exhibited positive attitudes towards learning. Of course, not all responded that way and a few dropped out of school. But her remaining students attested to the empowerment they felt when this teacher instilled in them a sense of self-belief and confidence in who they could become.
They stood their ground even when students or teachers from other classes looked down on them - the positive self-image these students embraced, thanks to her, did not permit them to accept other's perception of themselves as inferior.
I have learnt much from this teacher. And I am grateful to her, because she has influenced my own pursuit to make a difference in the next generation. I would likely not be achieving the things I am today if not for her because I was one of those who dropped out of her class that year. Throughout my long journey of failures, setbacks and overcoming drug dependency, I never forgot the words she sowed in my life: "You have so much potential to succeed in life, don't ever let people look down on you."
Thank you, Mrs Lee, for believing in me even before I cleaned up my act.
Glenn Lim is a youth specialist consultant and adjunct lecturer preparing for his Doctorate in Criminology, as well as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador (Asean) and Singapore Youth Award 2005 winner. He shares his views on gang violence on Singapore Talking on Sunday at 10.30pm on Channel 5.
Source URL: http://www.todayonline.com/Commentary/EDC101204-0000196/Cycle-of-failure-breeds-youth-violence
by Glenn Lim
In George Bernard Shaw's classic Pygmalion, phonetics expert Professor Higgins attempts to make a lady out of an uneducated Cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle as a kind of social experiment. I was particularly intrigued by her comment at one point:
"You see, apart from the things anyone can pick up (the dressing and the proper way of speaking and so on), the difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves but how she's treated.
"I shall always be a flower girl to Professor Higgins because he always treats me as a flower girl and always will. But I know I can be a lady to you because you always treat me as a lady and always will."
The notion that one person can "transform" another has long been an interest of discourse in the field of behavioural psychology and recognised by counsellors, physicians, teachers and parents. The way we treat youth is subtly influenced by how we view them. If our expectations are high, youth reciprocate with corresponding behaviour. If expectations are low, it will likely lead to lower functioning behaviour and performance than they are capable of.
In light of the recent spate of youth violence and gangs, one wonders how such behaviour can manifest itself in civil and safe Singapore. Is it due to parental or family issues? Negative peer influence? The media?
There are various factors that help explain this problem but one possible, overlooked reason lies in the context of how our youth are brought up today.
While Singapore boasts of a modern and advanced society, young people struggle to cope with the demands of living in a first-world country, such as academic expectations and the value placed on knowledge capital. This inevitably leaves in its wake a trail of disenfranchised youth who slip through the system's cracks.
Society then puts labels on such youth for easy reference - out-of-school youth, beyond parental control, youth-at-risk, delinquents, offenders and so on. Even in schools, we have neat little categorical references for them, notably the streaming system - Normal Academic and Technical streams (remember the EM streaming in primary schools before it was revamped in 2004?).
While I have nothing against categorisation for the purposes of developing a more targeted and tailored programme for youth, there are negative effects of such labelling. Youth live up to those names and negative images we place on them. This further drives them into maladaptive behaviours as a means to cope with perceived failure.
The cycle is set: We see them as failures, we treat them as failures; they see themselves as failures and, ultimately, behave as failures.
I have interviewed and counselled inmates from prisons, institutions and halfway houses in my course of work and, without exception, their perception of how others view them goes something like: "They don't think much of me." Of course, this may not be true as a fact. After all, it is just their perception. But we can immediately observe the cycle of failure at work here.
AVOIDING TROUBLE IS NOT ENOUGH
So what do we need to do?
In my years of working successfully with offending-prone youth, I have relied on some helpful principles that inform our intervention programmes. These are some of them.
The "strengths" approach: As a philosophy, this states that all youth are success stories waiting to be unfolded. From an existential point of view, all humans have in them the innate potential for being good and doing good. We need to focus on strengths as a way of creating a positive vision for youth to work towards.
It can be in their areas of interest or passion. Adult caregivers can help youth tap into what they are good at by affirming their positive qualities and creating avenues for them to thrive. Research has proven that youth who work at their strengths experience a greater sense of achievement, develop confidence and exhibit pro-social behaviour.
The "remove and replace" principle: An absence of problems is not sufficient for leading a purposeful life. Never be satisfied when your child merely demonstrates delinquent-free behaviour. Young people need to also embark on purposeful goals - that is why adopting a purely preventive model in working with youth is inadequate.
Adults need to help youth identify positive behaviour and activities that fill the void when negative traits are removed. I have observed many juvenile delinquents turn around, not because they were able to curb themselves from engaging in vices but because they immersed themselves in new and meaningful activities.
MENTORS DO CHANGE LIVES
Many aspects of self-efficacy and socio-emotional skills are not developed in the formal domains of education. Having a mentor has proven to be beneficial in helping youth regulate their negative emotions and build self-esteem.
Young people model their behaviours and attitudes after people they admire and respect; character and values are best caught than taught. Youth learn faster when these traits are modelled through a positive relationship.
I know of a form teacher who took over a notorious class. Her students made the discipline master's who's who list for detention class. Defiance, truancy and fights were common issues she had to handle. The first three months was challenging but she persevered. She saw in each of her students a star that needed to be brought out into the open and changed her strategy. For the next few months, she forced herself to fix personal appointments with a different student every day during recess. In that short half-hour, she would eat with them, affirm their positive qualities and encourage them to do their best. She showed genuine care and concern.
In the course of the following semester, you could sense a change of disposition in at least half her class, many of whom exhibited positive attitudes towards learning. Of course, not all responded that way and a few dropped out of school. But her remaining students attested to the empowerment they felt when this teacher instilled in them a sense of self-belief and confidence in who they could become.
They stood their ground even when students or teachers from other classes looked down on them - the positive self-image these students embraced, thanks to her, did not permit them to accept other's perception of themselves as inferior.
I have learnt much from this teacher. And I am grateful to her, because she has influenced my own pursuit to make a difference in the next generation. I would likely not be achieving the things I am today if not for her because I was one of those who dropped out of her class that year. Throughout my long journey of failures, setbacks and overcoming drug dependency, I never forgot the words she sowed in my life: "You have so much potential to succeed in life, don't ever let people look down on you."
Thank you, Mrs Lee, for believing in me even before I cleaned up my act.
Glenn Lim is a youth specialist consultant and adjunct lecturer preparing for his Doctorate in Criminology, as well as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador (Asean) and Singapore Youth Award 2005 winner. He shares his views on gang violence on Singapore Talking on Sunday at 10.30pm on Channel 5.
Source URL: http://www.todayonline.com/Commentary/EDC101204-0000196/Cycle-of-failure-breeds-youth-violence
Countries Bridge Digital Divide With New Ultra Low Cost Computer -
Calgary, AB – Dec 7, 2010 – Userful Corporation, the global leader in Linux desktop virtualization, today released Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™. The software turns 1 PC into 11, enabling up to 11 students to use different applications at the same time from one host computer. Each student is equipped with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Userful MultiSeat enables schools to quickly deploy large numbers of computer stations for a very low cost, whether in the classroom, computer lab, or school library. With Userful MultiSeat, Ministries of Education, governments and NGOs can deploy twice as many computers for the same budget dollars using familiar and flexible, standard PC hardware accompanied by a simple low-cost USB device. On a global scale that means millions of additional children can now gain computer access for the first time, using money already set aside by governments and NGOs for digital inclusion.
More than 50,000 schools worldwide are already using Userful to provide millions of students with computer access. Userful has proven to be the computer solution of choice for governments with digital inclusion mandates to provide school age children with computer access, on limited budgets. Countries such as Brazil, who have already successfully deployed over 350,000 Userful computer stations to schools in every municipality, have shown that with the combined cost savings of Userful MultiSeat, Linux, and open source software, it is feasible to provide every student with a comprehensive education using computers, regardless of whether they live in a city or a remote indigenous village with little infrastructure. The Brazilian Ministry of Education has reported saving 60% in up-front costs, and 80% in annual power savings as compared to their previous PC-per-station solutions. To date, Userful has sold more than 750,000 seats.
"Userful MultiSeat software and HP multiseat USB thin client hardware are an ideal solution for regions such as India, where schools need to deploy large numbers of full featured computers for minimal cost, using minimal infrastructure," said Rajat Mehta, Country Manager PSG, HP India. "Userful is a professional and responsive company that enables schools to leverage Linux and open source software for a very professional, and high performance user experience."
"Userful and DisplayLink have worked closely together to build support for DisplayLink USB virtual graphics enabled devices with the market leading Userful Linux solution." said Dennis Crespo, DisplayLink Executive VP, Marketing and Business Development. "The performance and ease of use of the Userful MultiSeat software running on DisplayLink technology enabled devices is outstanding. As the leader in USB virtual graphics, DisplayLink is excited to be a part of the super easy way to set-up and run computer sharing."
It is easy to set up, use and maintain. Unlike traditional approaches to desktop virtualization, Userful require no servers, no server rooms and minimal demands on IT. If you can unbox a computer, you can deploy a computer lab of virtual desktops with Userful. To set up, simply plug USB MultiSeat devices such as the HP t100, Wyse E01, MCT MWS 8820, DisplayLink based docking-stations or USB video devices, into the host PC. Then plug a monitor, keyboard, and mouse into each USB MultiSeat device, install Userful software, and the system is ready to support multiple students using different applications at the same time from one computer, each with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. With Userful's performance optimized software, the students feel like they each have their own dedicated PC, but in reality they are all sharing a single host computer.
Userful MultiSeat reduces hardware costs by up to 80%, and reduces required infrastructure (power plugs, cabling, etc.) by a factor of 10 as compared to a traditional PC-per-seat solution. It also reduces energy costs by up to 90%, enabling schools to recover the cost of their computers through electricity cost savings over a few years. The low cost and robustness of Userful MultiSeat makes it an ideal solution for schools in rural and developing regions where infrastructure is minimal, electricity is unreliable, and there is little physical space.
Userful MultiSeat is Linux based, and is available as an all-in-one install DVD, or as a stand-alone package to use on your own Linux installation. The install DVD includes a wide variety of no cost applications such as: Edubuntu operating system, iTALC classroom computer management tool, OpenOffice.org office suite, Firefox web browser, and subject based applications for astronomy, chemistry, languages, mathematics, planning, and more. Hundreds more applications can be installed at no charge with a single click through the Software Center -- a centralized repository of free Linux based applications. Teachers can use additional free open source software to further lower costs, easily tailor curricula to individual students, and monitor and control the classroom computers. Students can develop digital skills that will help them with their school work and prepare them for jobs in the future.
"Digital inclusion is a very important," said Tim Griffin, President of Userful. "Userful MultiSeat bridges the digital divide by enabling governments to deploy hundreds of thousands of school computers for costs so low, they were impossible before this release."
With the included classroom computer management software teachers can centrally manage and monitor the computer stations with ease. For instance teachers can see what each student is doing on their station, send students messages, remotely take control of a student's station, share files with and between students, create or delete student accounts/change passwords, and add a new application to all computer stations by installing it only once on the host computer, among other control features.
Userful offers any Ministry of Education worldwide a 90 day licensing pilot to test drive our solution on 1 system, up to 11 stations. To learn more and to download, visit http://userful.com/products/userful-multiseat-linux, email getstarted@userful.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or phone +1.403.289.2177 ext.795.
About Userful:
Userful Corporation is the world's leading Linux desktop virtualization company with millions of users in over 100 countries. The company's software which turns 1 computer into 11 lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both electricity consumption and e-waste. Userful's software is sold through a partner network of resellers and OEMs worldwide. Privately held and founded in 1999, Userful launched their flagship product in 2002, and has since sold over 750,000 seats. To learn more about Userful, visit: http://www.userful.com
Trademark notice: Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™, and Userful MultiSeat™ are trademarks of Userful Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Note to editors: For more information, news, and photos from Userful, please visit the Userful press kit at: http://userful.com/company/news-and-reviews/press-kit
A video to embed is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfu5GSS664Q
Source URL: http://userful.com/press/bridging-digital-divide
More than 50,000 schools worldwide are already using Userful to provide millions of students with computer access. Userful has proven to be the computer solution of choice for governments with digital inclusion mandates to provide school age children with computer access, on limited budgets. Countries such as Brazil, who have already successfully deployed over 350,000 Userful computer stations to schools in every municipality, have shown that with the combined cost savings of Userful MultiSeat, Linux, and open source software, it is feasible to provide every student with a comprehensive education using computers, regardless of whether they live in a city or a remote indigenous village with little infrastructure. The Brazilian Ministry of Education has reported saving 60% in up-front costs, and 80% in annual power savings as compared to their previous PC-per-station solutions. To date, Userful has sold more than 750,000 seats.
"Userful MultiSeat software and HP multiseat USB thin client hardware are an ideal solution for regions such as India, where schools need to deploy large numbers of full featured computers for minimal cost, using minimal infrastructure," said Rajat Mehta, Country Manager PSG, HP India. "Userful is a professional and responsive company that enables schools to leverage Linux and open source software for a very professional, and high performance user experience."
"Userful and DisplayLink have worked closely together to build support for DisplayLink USB virtual graphics enabled devices with the market leading Userful Linux solution." said Dennis Crespo, DisplayLink Executive VP, Marketing and Business Development. "The performance and ease of use of the Userful MultiSeat software running on DisplayLink technology enabled devices is outstanding. As the leader in USB virtual graphics, DisplayLink is excited to be a part of the super easy way to set-up and run computer sharing."
It is easy to set up, use and maintain. Unlike traditional approaches to desktop virtualization, Userful require no servers, no server rooms and minimal demands on IT. If you can unbox a computer, you can deploy a computer lab of virtual desktops with Userful. To set up, simply plug USB MultiSeat devices such as the HP t100, Wyse E01, MCT MWS 8820, DisplayLink based docking-stations or USB video devices, into the host PC. Then plug a monitor, keyboard, and mouse into each USB MultiSeat device, install Userful software, and the system is ready to support multiple students using different applications at the same time from one computer, each with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. With Userful's performance optimized software, the students feel like they each have their own dedicated PC, but in reality they are all sharing a single host computer.
Userful MultiSeat reduces hardware costs by up to 80%, and reduces required infrastructure (power plugs, cabling, etc.) by a factor of 10 as compared to a traditional PC-per-seat solution. It also reduces energy costs by up to 90%, enabling schools to recover the cost of their computers through electricity cost savings over a few years. The low cost and robustness of Userful MultiSeat makes it an ideal solution for schools in rural and developing regions where infrastructure is minimal, electricity is unreliable, and there is little physical space.
Userful MultiSeat is Linux based, and is available as an all-in-one install DVD, or as a stand-alone package to use on your own Linux installation. The install DVD includes a wide variety of no cost applications such as: Edubuntu operating system, iTALC classroom computer management tool, OpenOffice.org office suite, Firefox web browser, and subject based applications for astronomy, chemistry, languages, mathematics, planning, and more. Hundreds more applications can be installed at no charge with a single click through the Software Center -- a centralized repository of free Linux based applications. Teachers can use additional free open source software to further lower costs, easily tailor curricula to individual students, and monitor and control the classroom computers. Students can develop digital skills that will help them with their school work and prepare them for jobs in the future.
"Digital inclusion is a very important," said Tim Griffin, President of Userful. "Userful MultiSeat bridges the digital divide by enabling governments to deploy hundreds of thousands of school computers for costs so low, they were impossible before this release."
With the included classroom computer management software teachers can centrally manage and monitor the computer stations with ease. For instance teachers can see what each student is doing on their station, send students messages, remotely take control of a student's station, share files with and between students, create or delete student accounts/change passwords, and add a new application to all computer stations by installing it only once on the host computer, among other control features.
Userful offers any Ministry of Education worldwide a 90 day licensing pilot to test drive our solution on 1 system, up to 11 stations. To learn more and to download, visit http://userful.com/products/userful-multiseat-linux, email getstarted@userful.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or phone +1.403.289.2177 ext.795.
About Userful:
Userful Corporation is the world's leading Linux desktop virtualization company with millions of users in over 100 countries. The company's software which turns 1 computer into 11 lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both electricity consumption and e-waste. Userful's software is sold through a partner network of resellers and OEMs worldwide. Privately held and founded in 1999, Userful launched their flagship product in 2002, and has since sold over 750,000 seats. To learn more about Userful, visit: http://www.userful.com
Trademark notice: Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™, and Userful MultiSeat™ are trademarks of Userful Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Note to editors: For more information, news, and photos from Userful, please visit the Userful press kit at: http://userful.com/company/news-and-reviews/press-kit
A video to embed is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfu5GSS664Q
Source URL: http://userful.com/press/bridging-digital-divide
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