Former Student Teaches Neighborhood Networks Class of Her Own

Baltimore, MD-"When I first started to learn about computers 5 years ago, I merely wanted to know how to use them, but once I started, I couldn't stop," said Mary Sanders, Computer Facilitator at Baltimore's Pedestal Gardens Neighborhood Networks Center. "Now I am able to share my knowledge with others and teach them what I have learned." For Sanders, having students graduate from a class she teaches is particularly gratifying because she began as many other Neighborhood Networks participants do-with little knowledge of computers, but with a desire to continue learning and become successful.

After graduating from a similar computer class offered at the Communities Online Neighborhood Networks Center at Orchard Mews in Baltimore, Sanders was driven to change the lives of other low and moderate income individuals and began teaching about computers at the Pedestal Gardens center where 24 of Sanders' students recently graduated. The eight-week computer course taught by Sanders provided instruction to young adults and seniors on Windows 98, navigating the Internet and a variety of applications including Microsoft Office Suite.

Located in the Bolton Hill area of Baltimore, the Pedestal Gardens Neighborhood Networks compute training facility includes 10 computer workstations with Windows-based applications, CD-ROM drives and speakers. Pedestal Gardens is a 204 unit multifamily property managed by Interstate Realty Management Company. Deborah A. Walker is the Baltimore Office of HUD's Neighborhood Networks Coordinator.

Content Archived: February 15, 2011