Bridging the digital divide, one computer at a time

For some, repairing computers may just seem like playing with bits and pieces of a puzzle that does not make sense. But for others, like Benoit Larocque, they are much more than that. They are a way to bring people together and to offer something to those who may not have access.  Larocque, 35, now works at DFL International, a practice firm in Hawkesbury, Ontario, as a network technician where he has a chance to help out the many participants that DFL takes in. Helping people is not something new to Larocque who has been doing it ever since he got involved in computer repair. For Larocque, it all started when he was living in Ottawa.

"When I was living in Ottawa, I saw the advantage that people with money had when it came to learning (about) and using computers," he siad.

Larocque figured out a way to bridge that gap between those with money and the rest of the population.

"I started to recycle computers and building them up from scrap."

Ottawa used to be a hot spot for technology in Canada. Larocque describes how he used to go to some of the bigger companies' buildings after hours to check out some of the technological junk that they had thrown out. Whatever he thought he could salvage he took home and began to repair.

This idea began to open doors for Larocque.

"I had an opportunity to volunteer to help people fix their computers at the Belair Community Centre in Ottawa, so I did," he commented. "Then I was approached by the Anti Poverty Project to help them recycle computers. As part of the Anti Poverty Project, I also helped youths at risk by showing them how to do repairs and taught them basic computer skills."

Larocque found himself in Hawkesbury volunteering to help a friend who runs a local museum. He described it as another way to get some experience and promote himself.

"I was trying to get my face out there, so I volunteered to help fix the computers at the museum."

The curator of the museum told Larocque about DFL. Larocque liked what he heard and thought that it might be a good stepping stone to get a job in the industry.

"It sounded like a good place to keep my skills sharp and, in technology, if you don't keep your skills sharp, you tend to forget them."

Larocque completed his 12 week program at DFL and earned some recognition from the management team.

"At the end of my program, with the DFL technician about to take a new job in Toronto, I was approached by the management who said, 'We like your work. Would you like to take over as our technician?' I said, 'Sure.'"

While Larocque has learned a lot and been influenced by many people, he says his greatest influence has come from the Director of DFL who has taught him how to improve his people skills.

"It is one thing to interact with computers but one thing that will always remain is the user, and the Director has really shown me how to interact with others which helps me when I am interacting with participants."

Larocque still has a plan for his next step in helping people. "I want to provide technical services to small and medium sized businesses. I have noticed that the Tech industry has come up with solutions for large companies, but these are not always affordable for small and medium businesses."

In the meantime Larocque continues to work with the practice firm because he really believes in the philosophy of it.

"I think the idea of a practice firm is a brilliant idea," he noted. "All of the experience you gain while at a practice firm benefits you and you have nothing to lose by gaining experience!"