A Partnership That Changes Fears Into Solutions

By Robbie Pangilinan





When Diliman Foundation, Inc. and Unitech Educational Program Corporation started their partnership in 2009, many had fears. Students started out with technological fears of using the computer. But, on February 6, 2010, the first batch of graduates reaps the rewards of their hard work, their fears now motivational solutions.



Several months ago, most of the students had zero knowledge in computer operations and applications, many were familiar only with PC games and YM (Yahoo! Messenger). These students can now navigate and make use of the different tools of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. They can now generate their own web page creations, manipulate graphics and image enhancements through Adobe Photoshop and enjoy movies they have created in their Adobe Flash modules.



Unitech, a family corporation that serves quality IT education to poor but deserving Filipino students through its accredited IT institutions, has helped hundreds of course participants enhance their skills through intensive hands-on exercises under the guidance of expert instructors. Unitech decided to partner with DFI through the Diliman Computer Technology Institute (DCTI) because the two corporations one belief: that poverty is not a hindrance in getting premium education for those who are determined and willing to learn.



Unitech and DCTI hope to prepare, nurture and guide the Filipino youth through education and technology. Their affordable IT literacy training gives the economically underprivileged the chance to be at par with global standards and global market demands. Unitech and DCTI equip the youth with powerful tools in approaching fast-paced technology that not only enable them to be competitive in facing the rigorous demand of higher learning but also boosts their self-esteem.



Besides sharing the same vision, Unitech chose DCTI because the institution can customize their IT literacy training program to meet the requirements of public school students, the out-of-school youth, as well as professionals. DCTI has the most number of laboratories that can accommodate at least 40 students per laboratory, with one computer per student. DCTI’s 357 computers in its strategic Commonwealth campus are matched by its faculty members who have the required competency level to conduct and implement Unitech’s training modules



This partnership has a long way to go. Plans for expansion are under way. By February 7, 2010, right after the first graduation, DCTI and Unitech will launch the Makati Computer Literacy Training Program and by March 7, the Novaliches Computer Literacy Training Program will be opened at the Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) grounds.



With the initiative of DPS President and former Senator Nikki Coseteng, DCTI and Unitech will reach out to other cities and municipalities in the country that need Computer Literacy Trainings, especially the public high schools.

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This partnership has changed fears into solutions. In turn, it has changed the lives of its students. And through the partnership’s Community Services and Relations projects, many more fears will be solutions, many more loves will be changed.