Our CPJ project is only about 3 years old. In retrospect, we have gone thru a number of developmental steps so that might be a good way to tell the CPJ story.

Phase one. A buddy bought a new flat panel computer monitor and wondered what he could do with his old 19 inch CRT. By coincidence, a school principal just happened to mention that one of their computers could not be used because its monitor “no funcionar.” That was easy. That same week another principal said he had 2 old Windows 95s but one did not work because he only had one mouse. Hey, that was easy too.  When we started this little project we would fix up donated computers and distribute them. That was it. Now we are up to two dozen of us pitching in to get the job done.

Phase two. When we started we just placed donated hardware in schools but it did not take long to realize that the computers alone were not sufficient.  Some of the schools had old Windows 95 computers given to them by the state and the dust was an inch thick on them. Without educational software the computer is just another dust catcher.

Phase three. We got a little smarter and installed software on the computers we placed. And we also went back to our existing installed base and gave them software. We installed software on the few state issued computers that would accept software. Our ground rule was that we would try to fix state issued computers but would not open them up.

Phase four. We got a little smarter still and figured out that the software, like the hardware, could not stand alone. So we recruited volunteers to visit the schools, install software and mentor the teachers and the more promising kids. This is where we are and I could not be more delighted with the “leads” we have in the schools and what is being accomplished.

Phase five. Almost all of our computers, monitors and printers have been donated by readers of the electronic bulletin boards here in SMA. We are broadening our search here in San Miguel. We also now have an address in Dallas where folks in the states can send computers. They will be delivered to us here in San Miguel cost free.

Phase six. We have been asked to expand the program beyond the confines of San Miguel and we will do so when resources allow. 

That is a brief history of how we got to where we are now. We continue to stay true to our principles of being accountable, flexible and lean. We do not pay any salaries, nor do we actively solicit donations of funds. We just need your gently used computer equipment!

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