The Newberry Foundation is developing a Research Based Technology Lab at The Sojourner Douglass Leadership Institute in Hawkinsville, GA. We want to create a technology lab where members of the Hawkinsville community and beyond have the ability to conduct research, teach and attend classes, and to use the lab for their document processing and printing needs.
We currently have 20 computers that have been generously donated and 3 of the 20 computers are setup and working. However, the remaining computers are in need of various parts and will require setup and networking. We have also been given 15 computers from Sojourner Douglass College in Baltimore, MD (http://www.sdc.edu/). We need to raise money for the transportation of these 15 new computers from Baltimore, MD to Hawkinsville, GA, and for the set up, networking, and ongoing maintenance of the 15 new computers and the existing 20 computers. We have estimated that this cost will be approximately $3000.
We would like to share a story which displays, on a small scale, the impact that the Research Based Technology lab is already having on the Hawkinsville community. Ever since the first 3 computers were setup in the The Sojourner Douglass Leadership Institute, Tyler, who is a young member of the Hawkinsville community, has been coming to the institute to use the internet. One Saturday afternoon, he came to the institute and the doors were locked, so he decided to walk to Mr. Julius Johnson’s home on Jackson Street to find out if the center would be opened that day. He brought over his laptop which had a broken power cord, so that he could show Mr. Johnson that his laptop was currently not operable. Mr. Johnson tried to find another power cord for his laptop, but had no luck. Mr. Johnson did not intend to open the building that day, but he gave Tyler the keys to the building so that he could access the computers. Tyler left happy knowing that he could have access to a computer and the internet that day. He was satisfied and returned the keys later on that evening when he was finished using the computers.
This is just a small example of the necessity of having a space where the community can have access to a technology lab. Currently, the Hawkinsville Library is the only place where the community has access to computers and internet. The library has about 8 computers and is not open on the weekends.
We need your help once again to reach our current goal! Any donation amount will be accepted and greatly appreciated.
Who We Are:
The Newberry Foundation is committed to preserving history, providing education and building community. The Foundation's first initiative is the establishment of The Sojourner Douglass Leadership Institute which includes exhibit space, a library/reading room, and a research based technology center for the training and development of tomorrow's leaders. The second initiative is the establishment of the African American Memorial Park and the development of The Gordon Street Community Garden.
We are committed to the growth and development of all human beings by providing a safe place to engage in critical analysis, self reflection, and experiential learning. It is our belief that through remembrance of the past we can begin to re-member ourselves as a pre-requisite for genuine community cooperation, sustainable economic development, and moral and social development. We believe that a deeper understanding of our history allows us to more fully understand the present and better prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow. We value stillness and silence. We value hard work and discipline. We value producing and not just consuming. We value giving a hand up and not a hand out. We value work and study above sport and play. We value independence. We value civic participation. We value good governance, rule of law and security for our families. We love our country and we worship the one GOD. We hope that your visit will provide for you a window into what is possible. Dare to dare. Be counted! If you would like to support our efforts please mail us at PO Box 1112, Hawkinsville, GA 31036. We can be reached at 478 783-3744.
The Sojourner Douglass Leadership Institute is currently working on two Key Initiatives and preparing to offer four Educational Programs!
Two Key Initiatives:
1. Literacy Movement; Library/Reading Room - books, periodicals, scholarly journals, historical documents.
2. Research Based Technology Center - Computers, multi-media equipment, audio-visual, e-learning curriculum.
Four Educational Programs:
1. Afterschool program targeting early childhood through highschool.
2. Rites of Passage program focused on good citizenship, roles, and responsibilities.
3. Mentorship program linking parents to children - especially fathers.
4. Young Diplomats program to encourage our young people to think globally while acting locally.
The Newberry Foundation needs your help!
Please visit us at our facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/SojournerDouglassLeadershipInstitute
Peace, Love, and Gratitude!