Computer Pals Blacktown Inc

2000 > 2005 INTRODUCTION:

Our organization was established under the guidelines of Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, (ASCCA). ASCCA being the national governing body.
It is important to know that Computer Pals Blacktown Inc., is non-political, non-sectarian, and non-profit. All committee, teacher, assistant teachers, and helpers are voluntary positions.
The club must charge a 'Joining Fee', and 'Teaching Fees' to remain viable! This enables the committee to purchase new and maintain existing computers, including associated equipment!
The management committee will determine membership fees and charges.
NAME: The name of the club will be; 'Computer Pals Blacktown Inc.'
AIM OF THE CLUB: The aim of the "Club" is to teach computer skills to "Senior Citizens" residing in the City of Blacktown.
The club will be a 'Non-Profit' organization, seeking to educate 'Seniors' where possible, in the use of computers, and associated equipment. As a way of enriching their lives and making them more self-reliant in this modern world of technology. The club will also seek to bridge the 'Generation' gap and assist 'Seniors' in finding ways to benefit the community at large through their collective experience and knowledge.
STARTING OFF:  Starting out in October 2000 with a 'Steering Committee', the members were summoned to attend their first AGM, held in July 2001. The intention being to elect the clubs first 'Executive and Committee'.
The club started with two old 486 computers, one teacher, six students, and located in the back room of the club founder, and first club president, Ellen Long, we began!
Followed by seventeen months of rather slow but steady progress, Computer Pals Blacktown became of age. The continued growth resulted in greater demands in all aspects of the club. These demands being for more classes, teachers, teacher assistants, computers, printers, scanners, copiers, and "SPACE"

The opportunity to move to new premises became available early in 2002, and the committee readily took up the offer. "We now had our new club house" (although rented), the committee and members were enthusiastic and excited about their future!

This became effective Thursday January 31st 2002. The club could now run a dedicated classroom with fourteen computers, a second room for special classes, Internet, and office use.

We now have 76 members, running 7 classes per week. These students being of varying levels of computer skills! We are privileged to have 9 teachers, and 4 assistants, these being students from more advanced classes.
Our forecast is to have 12 classes and 150 students (members) by the end of 2002!

UPDATE: 2003:

During 2003 the club consolidated and member numbers continued to grow. The emphasis of the committee, being on upgrading our existing computers, and, when possible to purchase new and more powerful equipment. This meant the committee sailed close to the wind with 'Skinny' finances!

UPDATE: APRIL 2004:

Progress now sees the club operating out of two centers! The original teaching center at 9 Kent Street, Blacktown operating almost at full capacity! Here we have 14 computers (20gb) all networked to a dedicated server, 3 printers, 2 scanners, all connected to broadband Internet.

At this center, we are currently conducting 12 classes weekly, covering varying degrees of computer skills under the watchful eye of our teacher coordinator, Judy Sosimenko and her team, of 5 teachers and 15 teacher assistants. Our classes comprise of: 1 Beginners, 3 Transition, 3 Intermediate 1/2, 3 Intermediate 2/3, and 2 Intermediate 3/Advanced classes.

The second center is at 83 Knox Road, Doonside. This teaching center has 11 computers (2/3gb and, networked to a server, 1 printer, and 1 Lexmar multi function center. We currently conduct 2 classes each week for beginners, with a third due to start in July 2004.

As at May 2004 the club has one hundred and seventy seven (177) financial members.

The committee, teachers, and teacher assistants are all voluntary positions.

The club conducts, one AGM, two GM's, and ten committee meetings annually.

UPDATE: MARCH 2005:

Both teaching centers are running well, we have 192 members, of whom 159 are attending classes. We have a total of 8 teachers, 6 assistant teachers, and 8 helpers. With the exception of the majority of our teachers, these are students.

Kent Street; Now operates 1 server, 1 committee/teacher computer with an HP colour printer, and an Epson Stylus Photo 720 printer networked!

A further 13 teaching computers, plus 3 printers, 3 scanners, networked to the server, and all on broadband (Internet). All hard drives are 40gb's or better!

We have set up a further 3 computers for one on one instruction. The aim is to give these students the necessary skills so they can join one of our beginner's classes.

Kent Street runs 12 classes each week, with 129 members attending, starting at beginners with varying levels through to advance!
Knox Road; Now operates 1 server, 10 teaching computers, plus 3 printers, and 1 scanner, networked to the server and all on broadband (Internet). All hard drives are 20mb's or better!

Knox Road operates 4 classes each week, with 30 students, majority of them beginners!

GENERAL PROBLEMS:

TEACHERS:

The lack of teachers is always a problem with regard to increasing membership and club
development.

ACCOMMODATION:

a) The club is in desperate need of new premises where we can all be located under the one roof! There is an unrealistic burden on funds due to paying;
Two each of, rent, electricity, phone, broadband, and cleaning!

b) Our 'Wish List' for accommodation would be as follows;
1) 2 teaching rooms, 5 meters wide, and 10 meters long.
2) Kitchen/morning/afternoon room.
3) 2 x toilets, his and hers.
4) Parking for 15/20 cars.
5) Close to public transport.
6) Office/storeroom.
7) Reverse cycle air conditioning.
8) Good lighting, and generous number of power points.
9) Minimum number of steps, or steep inclines.

Prepared by the secretary, Wal Cove.