Amy Dinkel-VanValkenburg, coordinator of Freshwater’s ABE Program  is shown, in the computer lab with some of the computers students use. The ABE program is located at Central Lakes College, Staples campus. Dinkel-VanValkenburg has distributed more than 75 computers to people in need of technology. (Staples World photo by Mark Anderson)

More than ‘basic ed’

VanValkenburg touts technology, connections

Adult Basic Education (ABE) is known as a place for adults seeking their GED or high school equivalancy certificate.

Freshwater Education District’s ABE Program Coordinator Amy Dinkel-VanValkenburg said that’s just one of many services 

“I’m here to help them meet their goals, not something I have set for them,” said Dinkel-VanValkenburg.

The program helps people interested in continuing their education. They might just be rusty on their reading and writing, just started a new job and need to update their skills or a college student struggling with certain aspects of their courses. Help is available for reading, writing, math and technology skills. She also works with non-English speaking individuals and people with disabilities.

Classes are free; no tuition or books to buy.

Dinkel-VanValkenburg is incorporating other aspects of education into some of the programs and starting new programs. She said diversity and cultural awareness are part of the broader picture in education. She’s also working on trying to end the stigma of people with disabilities and mental illness.

She’s working on starting a Project Together group in Staples similar to one that’s going in Long Prairie, which meets weekly to connect with others in the community.   They also go bowling every other Sunday in Long Prairie.

PCs for People

Dinkel-VanValkenburg noticed many of her students were lacking in technology and digital literacy. “A huge challenge for my students has been access to technology and internet,” she said.

That need led her to connect with PCs (personal computers) for People. The program allows refurbished computers to be purchased for very low prices.

A grant from the Blandin Foundation allowed  the program to place 75 computers, with three months of free internet access with individuals/families in 18 communities, including; Staples, Motley, Long Prairie, Eagle Bend, Little Falls, McGregor, Garrison, Browerville, Clarissa, Osakis, St. Cloud, Cushing, Sartell, Brainerd, Sauk Centre, Pierz and Royalton. The grant allowed the program to expand beyond the ABE clients to others in need. The computers were given out at an event held in Long Prairie, Nov. 30.

Dinkel-VanValkenburg is teaming up with the Staples Public Library to hold digital literacy classes.

“Digital literacy and access to technology for all people, that’s been my passion,” said Dinkel-VanValkenburg. “It’s a growing program, we can offer more of what people want if they just stop in and let me know.”

Her office this year is located at Central Lakes College, Staples campus.  She also travels to Long Prairie and other communities in the Freshwater District.

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Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

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