Jonathan, Liceo Ernestina Tejeda

Jonathan is a 19 year old student at Liceo Ernestina Tejeda. He was born in the small community of Las Calderas, in the suburbs of Villa Fundación, where he still lives.

With Eury and 5 other students, he is a member of the Science and Technology Club and is part of the VillaTEC Telecenter technical support team.

Jonathan had his first contact with computers at the SBT at the school.  He says, “I was always interested in learning to repair computers and how computers work. I was very happy when I was finally given the chance and was very curious to see how the integrated circuits worked.”

His leadership at VillaTEC Telecenter has transcended the city limits in that he has been asked by the Secretary of Education to help repair and recycle more than 15 computers in a two day period. 

Jonathan is now employed at VillaTEC Telecenter and is one of the most advanced trainers and is the only technician that repairs computers in the community. About the work he does he adds, “I never charge much for the repair because I see what I learned at a tool to help others.  Usually I charge RD$150, or USD$5 for the work.”

In a critical analysis of the program, Jonathan speaks about the advantages and disadvantages of the internet saying, “When I use the internet it is generally to find new programs that have been released on the market.  I usually use search programs and the one the helps me the most is ‘Rincon del Vago.’ When I chat, it is usually for entertainment and once I had an internet relationship with someone in Peru, but it was nothing formal. The dangers of the internet for technicians are primarily viruses, but for the public there is the danger of child pornography and satanic religious sects.”

Finally, he has the decided to study system engineering once he finishes his secondary education. He thanks World Links, the Peace Corps and ICDF for his opportunities. 

Other members of the Science and Technology Club are Yakaira, Leandro and Abel, they are all from Villa Fundación, and are alumni of Liceo Ernestina Tejeda. Now they are university students.