Refugee - ComputerKlasse

Summary

The Global Shapers Refugee Computerklasse is a project established in 2019, which aims to empower refugees of ages 5 to 50 with essential digital literacy skills. In a comprehensive 6-session course coupled with access to donated laptops (which students keep after the course), students are guided (including one-on-one help) from basic computer usage to email creation, video-conferencing, writing, presentation, spreadsheet, and IT security skills. We prioritize personalized instruction, nurturing each student's unique potential.

The Refugee Computerklasse operates on a volunteer basis, with no financial involvement. Teachers generously volunteer with their time, organizations provide a classroom for the sessions free of charge, and companies and/or organizations donate laptops either at no cost or for a nominal fee.

Impact

Dozens of refugees in Munich have already learned how to use computers for the first time, benefiting their academic, career, and personal development.

KPIs

Equip refugees with fundamental computer skills, fostering their academic, professional, and personal development, while facilitating their seamless integration into society.

Problem to solve

Having access to and being able to use a computer and the internet is critical for communication, job applications and integration into broader society. Of the hundreds of refugees living in northern Munich, most of them do not have access to computers and many lack the knowledge on how to use them.

what’s next?

Our long-term goal is to provide the refugees with the tools they need to independently fulfill tasks that must be conducted via a technological medium. This will provide not only computer courses for the refugees but also cross-cultural interaction for both sides.

Partnerships


Computerklasse Batch - January 2025

Sessions

The upcoming batch will start on 14th of January 2025 with weekly sessions on Tuesdays from 19:00 to 20:30:

  • January 14th 2025 - Basic knowledge
    Introduction to the Refugee Computerklasse project. Handover and setup of the laptops.

  • January 21th 2025 - Video conferencing
    How to use video conferencing.

  • January 28th 2025 - Writing
    How to use a word processor application.

  • February 04th 2025 - Presentations
    How to use a presentation/slides application.

  • February 11th 2025 - Tables
    How to use a spreadsheet editor application.

  • February 18th 2025 - Security
    Essential IT security principles and practices to safeguard digital assets and protect against cyber threats.

Prerequisites

No prior computing knowledge is required. Laptops will be provided for free or for a nominal fee (< EUR 50) in the first session.

COURSE LANGUAGE

English or German (based on student preferences).

CLASSES FORMAT

  • In-person classroom sessions. Each session consists of a theoretical part (slides) and a practical part, where students are guided and receive one-on-one help, if necessary. 3-4 teachers take part in every session.

  • Some sessions include optional (but recommended) homework for students.

  • Students who attend at least 5 (out of 6) classes (80% attendance) will receive a printed "Certificate of Participation" (A digital "Certificate of Participation" can be issued upon request).

NUMBER OF STUDENTS (VACANCIES)

12

SELECTION CRITERIA

First come, first serve.

CLasses Location

Gotzinger Straße 52f/1. OG
81731 Munich
Germany

 

Registration


JOIN AS A STUDENT ("MENTEE")


JOIN AS A TEACHER ("MENTOR")

We are continually looking for teachers to assist us in the Refugee Computerklasse. If you would like to volunteer, please email us at computerklasse@globalshapersmunich.org.