The "Gateway/AL-Bawaba" A Library Based Bilingual Computer Literacy Project

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The Gateway/Al-Bawaba Project of the San Diego County Library provides computer and internet instruction to the immigrant Middle Eastern population in San Diego County. Using Arabic speaking instructors recruited through community outreach, students can enroll in bilingual classes held at three SDCL branches. Students are supported with translated class materials, including schedules, glossaries of computer terms, class outlines, and self-practice exercises. Classes take place before and after library hours so that regular public access computers can be used for instruction without interfering with everyday public use. Since the public library has always been a gateway to literacy, learning, education, and enlightenment, their project was named “The Gateway” (“Al-Bawaba” in Arabic). This is one of the only bilingual Arabic computer instruction class programs being offered in a U.S. public library.