OE Report - June 2008
Contact:
Austin Bonner, Director of Communications
202-393-2233
Austin Bonner, Director of Communications
202-393-2233
OE Report - June 2008
In This Issue:
New Digital Center in South Africa Trains Disabled People in Computer & Job Skills
CEO Rey Ramsey Testifies Before Congressional Panel on Universal Broadband Access
Families Struggling with Economic Slowdown Turn to the Beehive
More from One Economy:
New Digital Center in South Africa Trains Disabled People in Computer & Job Skills
Last month, One Economy joined with the QuadPara Association (QASA) to open a new center that provides computer training and employment solutions for the quadriplegic and paraplegic residents of Ashley Village in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as members of the public with disabilities. One Economy helped set up the center, providing assistance to new users and on-site training.
The Rod Colenbrander center, funded by the Alexander Forbes Community Trust and Microsoft SA, encourages people to make use of the Durban Beehive to expand their knowledge and skills.
Already, two classes of people with disabilities have graduated from a course in basic computer literacy. Most of the trainees had never used a computer before. As part of the training, the candidates learned how to write a resume. Several recruitment agencies that specialize in finding employment for people with disabilities are using those resumes to help the graduates look for jobs.
CEO Rey Ramsey Testifies Before Congressional Panel on Universal Broadband Access
On June 24, One Economy Chief Executive Officer Rey Ramsey gave testimony on the importance of universal service at a hearing by the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
The subcommittee met to evaluate accountability and spending limits in the allocation of Universal Services Fund (USF) resources, as well as the question of providing universal broadband across the nation.
“Efforts that are less about a specific technology and more about education and creating a culture of use are needed to ensure that the benefits of the Digital Age are reaching the communities that need them most,” said Ramsey, who stressed the importance of both access and content.
“Government can play a role in stimulating demand,” Ramsey added. “A policy that brings the traditional conception of universal service into the digital age, while addressing the broad spectrum of reasons why people are not online, will improve the lives of millions of Americans.”
Witness George Lucas, founder and chairman of The George Lucas Educational Foundation agreed: “We must recognize the even greater possibilities made possible by broadband and wireless and expand the program to keep pace with technology.”
Ramsey’s complete written testimony is available for download in our press room.
Families Struggling with Economic Slowdown Turn to the Beehive
Everyday, more households stretch their budgets to compensate for increasing food and gas prices and dip deeper into savings or extend more credit for everyday goods and emergency expenses. As of December 2007, the revolving debt had reached a record high of $943.5 billion, according to the Federal Reserve. Mostly from credit card debt, this number continues to increase, almost doubling in 2007 alone.
Households challenged by the economic downturn and those who are experiencing financial crisis are using the Beehive's newest resource, the Financial Coach, to take steps towards financial freedom. This innovative online resource provides information and tools to help families build confidence with budgeting and prevent debt.
Created with support from the Ford Foundation, the Financial Coach features free credit counselling around the clock from licensed National Foundation for Credit Counselling-certified counsellors in both English and Spanish. Users can also discover financial quick fixes they can use right away and use the Better Budgeting tool to get assistance in managing their money. The Financial Coach draws on the experiences of its users; visitors can contribute stories of their own stories and read those of others.
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