abc-cde

Association for Better Child Care, Development & Education

'Dwight's Computers for kids'

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

A digital divide?? That's no way.
Not here!! Its unnessary in the U.S.A.

What is 'Dwight's Computers for Kids'?

Its a program to help bridge the 'digital divide'. It was developed from the mind and with the desire of Dwight Stephenson, a sucessful businessman and builder (the former Miami Dolphan great and NFL hall of famer) to help children by putting a complete computer system in their homes at no cost to them.

What is the goal of the 'Dwight's Computers for kids' program?

Total elimination of the digital divide. By developing a program that will incorporate helping existing charitable and non-profit orginazations throughout the country, initiating new ones where there are none, and tying them all together with help from national businesses, and help from sports and other personalities including endorsements from them and other prominent individuals. The blueprint is now 85% completed. Look, in our country we are currently disposing of more than 130,000,000 outdated computers a year. It is estimated that between 15% and 25% are useable at the time and more of them are salvageable. If we continue to dump the majority of them, the enviromental impact, (just lead, more than 4 lbs each) will be far more costly than a cooperative effort by communities, businesses, and individuals to make Dwight's Computers for Kids a successful program.

What is the background behind the program?

'Dwight's Computers for Kids' was established in 1998 by a former Miami Dolphins football player and a businessman. Dwight purchased a new computer for his office, and then he gave the one it replaced to an 11-year-old Hialeah, FL young man, named Jorge. The impact on Jorge was so positive Dwight partnered with a friend and businessman, Howard G. Kaufman of abc-cde, to establish a program that would reach other children in low income familiies. Mr. Kaufman, now semi-retired, has a long career as a successful executive. The list of his charitable and business activities is long and includes, executive officer with national and international investment and venture capital companies: Owner of Howard G. Kaufman Associates, President of Commonwealth International Research & Development Ltd. Executive officer (including president & ceo of Life Insurance Companies, President of abc-cde, President of the Greater Miami Chapter of American Red Magen David Adom ( Red Cross of Israel, U.S. branch), and many other civic, charity, and business interests.

What is the relationship between 'Dwight's Computers for Kids' and abc-cde?

'Dwight's Computers for Kids' is operated by abc-cde, a non-profit organization with many years of providing various services to children from low-income families. Most of the programs had the purpose of encouraging parents, early on, to believe in the possibility that their children could pursue higher education. 'Dwight's Computers for Kids' operates under its umbrella of administrative services and activities, and today, partnering with other charitable organizations like, The Education Foundation (Ed Fund) in South Florida, we are proud sponsors of the "Dwight's Computers for Kids" program.

Where will the computers come from?

In 1995, two computers were discarded for every three made, thereby contributing 200,000 tons of old machines to the nation's refuse. A Carnegie Mellon study estimated that, as of 1995, 25 million PCs had been discarded globally. This number is estimated to have increased to 150 million by the end of the decade; enough to fill an acre-wide hold three and one-half miles deep. Add 25 to 30 million more each year. Assuming landfill charges of $50/ton, the discarded computers have cost more than $125 million, not including the cleanup costs from hazardous materials that leach into the environment. Why should workable computers end up as trash, hurt our environment, costing us so many millions of dollars, when they can be given to kids?

Q ,So many retired computers. Are their days all gone? A. Of course not! These got to Dwight, so life goes on.	Where?? It goes in there!

Who has donated computers to the program?

All types of businesses and individuals. Including a national tv cable company, insurance companies, educational institutions, hopitals, medical associations, non-profit cultural associations, software manufactures, banks, legal offices, etc. Here, in South Florida, some of the more prominent ones include, Bienstock & Associates, BMI Insurance Company, Broward County General Hospital, Charter Cable Communications, Concert Association, The Dade County School Board, Dotmarketing Inc., Eagle Brands Distributers, Financial Data Planning, Greater Miami Tennis Foundation, Hollywod Medical Assn., Miami City Ballet, Mt. Siani Hospital, Pan American Hospital, Pl3x Inc, Sungard Inc., University of Miami, etc.,

Q. ...Then where? Where will these computers go? A. ........To the homes of kids. And rightfully so.	Its Mine! Devin, Matthew, Michael, Christina, Miami

So? Instead of using computers to pollute the ground. New Dwight's kids are easily found.	Donald, Miami

Step 1. RECEIVE COMPUTERS. Computers (Pentium) are donated to 'Dwight's Computers for Kids' from businesses or individuals.

Step 2. CLEAR DATA. All data relating to the donor is removed leaving only the actual dataless programs that can be used by the kids. Low level formatting is used when requested, as well as the latest 'Disk 'Sanitizer' (Autoclave v0.3) which totally destroys everything on a drive.

Step 3. UPGADE COMPUTERS. After personal data is removed, all computers are tested and made desirable for our targeted children.

Step 5. INSTALL SOFTWARE. In addition to the software, suitable for kids, that comes with the computer, approved educational software and programs designed to teach computer familiarity are added, including a typing tutor, chess and other mind games. We are constantly increasing our library, mainly from donations and freeware located on the internet.

Step 6. IDENTIFY RECIPIENTS. All children without a computer in their home are eligible. Sponsors and mentors throughout the community recommend deserving children and submit their names to our selection committee. Kids are prioritized based upon how many computers are on hand and individual qualification. Recipients are identified and chosen by the committee. Sponsors are encouraged to include in their recommendatons academic achievement and other merit-based performance, especially including attitude and work habits. A typical sponsor can be a teacher, principal, counselor, social worker, health provider, community leader, professional businessman/women, etc.The family of a recipient must approve the donation and demonstrate support for housing the computer. Exceptional children are considered and included as recipients..

I'd like to help. What can I do to support abc-cde?