Zinaat once considered herself to be computer illiterate. Lack of hand mobility due to arthritis, as well as bursitis of the shoulder, made using a computer a fairly daunting task for her. That was until an acquaintance, Program Coordinator Yasmin Juma, told her about the Computer Comfort Program at the Neil Squire Society.

The Computer Comfort Program allows participants to work one-on-one with a volunteer tutor at their own pace and on their own goals. After one year in the program, Zinaat has become a (new window) confident computer user and she is thrilled with the progress she has made.

“What I have learned so far is just amazing. It’s phenomenal what I have come out [of the program] with. Dan, my instructor right now, is just fantastic and the training from Munesh, Joe and Paul has been so encouraging as well,” she says.

Zinaat is currently learning how to use the speech recognition software Dragon Naturally Speaking (new window) , a program which helps her use a computer by using her voice instead of a keyboard. She is also learning how to use Microsoft PowerPoint (new window) which she intends to start using soon to present slideshows in her community.

Now that Zinaat has the fundamentals, she is looking forward to learning everything that Dan can teach her. When asked about her experience at the Neil Squire Society, Zinaat had this to say: “I think I am so privileged. I am ever so grateful to you all for giving me this opportunity to be here, to come here and learn at my pace. I think that that has helped me a tremendous amount.”

Keep up the great work, Zinaat!

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