Communication takes place in many ways. Families and friends talk to each other, tell stories and draw pictures. Now families in Wekweeti and Gameti can add computers as a popular and efficient way to communicate with family members and friends.

In March 2015, the Wekweeti community started promoting computer literacy in the community. Sudhir Jha, volunteered his time to help get computers to families in the community.

“The goal was to provide one refurbished desktop computer to each family in Wekweeti so every family has the opportunity to learn and get comfortable with the modern technology,” said Sudhir. He added that some families already had their own computers.

As a volunteer with Computers for Schools (CFS) NWT & NU. CFS, Sudhir organized 50 refurbished desktop computers for Wekweeti. CFS, co-founded in 1993 by Industry Canada and the Telecom Pioneers, refurbishes computers so they can be used by Aboriginal communities, schools, libraries and not-for-profit learning organizations.

Community residents volunteer Gordon Judas, Adrian Migwi, Clarence Nasken and Roy Judas travelled to Yellowknife to pick up computers. “Now Wekweeti is the first community in the Northwest Territories where each family has its own computer,”.

Grace Angel, Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) with Wekweeti said the generous contribution of the dozens of computers would help her community enhance their computer skills and learn a new way of communicating easily with family and friends.

Again working as a volunteer with CFS, Sudhir also provided 101 desktop refurbished computers to Gameti.   Judal Dominicata, SAO for Gameti, said there was widespread support for the computer initiative since it helps the community increase its computer literacy.

The Gameti community government has been working with Aurora College to offer office skills, including a computer skills course, in Gameti. Participants completing the course will be given a refurbished desktop computer to take home so their skills keep developing as they practise on the computer.

Community members learning computer skills can use the Internet to find free software downloads and free computer lessons. The free computer lessons include Inside PC, learning to type and typing games. Free anti-virus software including Malwarebytes and Microsoft Essentials is also available. Other free downloads include Adobe reader, Adobe Flash player, Google Chrome, VLC media player and Open Office. Click here to learn more.

Like any piece of equipment, computers do wear out after some years. When your computer wears out, do not throw it in the garbage. Recycle it! Please call Computers for Schools (Smart Communities Society) at 867 -873-6455 for the latest information about electronic waste (e-waste) recycling in your community or click here for more information: