The Barriere and Area Chamber of Commerce have partnered with local resident Antoon Houben to offer area residents the opportunity to learn more about using a computer; such as desktop publishing, spreadsheets and even word processing.
The learning will take place in the new Technology Lab facilitated by Houben, at the Chamber office on Barriere Town Road.
Houben says the Technology Lab “Has all fallen into place over the past few weeks”, and he is looking forward to working with people who want to become more proficient on a computer.
“Teaching people to use computers is something I enjoy, and teaching people to program them is very rewarding,” said Houben.
He notes there is no fee for the instruction, but he does want to work with groups of three using the three computers available.
“In this way I can personally be a little more efficient and it also creates a group to support each other,” said Houben, “I am very flexible with the scheduling and will work with all ages from kids to adults.”
Chamber president Lana Laskovic says, “The chamber is very pleased to be able to offer this service to the community, it is something the community needs and we are glad to help.”
Houben says he encourages young people to also take advantage of the Technology Lab.
“I can teach kids, and adults as well, how to program computer games,” he said, “It’s just something I like to do.”
Houben also participates as a volunteer tutor with Barriere and Area Literacy and Learning through their Partner Assisted Tutoring (PAL) program which works one-on-one with individuals who want to upgrade their reading, writing, math or computer skills, and is also a no cost service.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more can call Antoon Houben at 250-852-8123 or leave your contact information at the chamber office.