International Rescue Committee Computer Literacy Education Intern

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Atlanta office was established in 1979 and has resettled over 21,000 refugees from nearly 50 countries into the Greater Atlanta area. As the largest refugee resettlement agency in Georgia, the IRC in Atlanta resettles an average of 800 refugees into Georgia annually and provides additional services and assistance to another 1,500 refugees and asylees.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Instruct individuals and small groups of IRC clients in basic computer operations.
• Assist clients with the use of educational software, including specific ESL programs.
• Research and develop additional software to meet the technical and English educational needs of clients.
• Assist the program with troubleshooting lab computers and refurbishing donated computers
• Support program activities by researching new curriculum content and preparing educational materials as requested by instructor.
• Supervise appropriate use of the computer lab environment, making sure clients are engaged in learning.
• Assist with record-keeping, data entry, and file maintenance to support program administration.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a multi-level, multi-language, and culturally diverse ESL classroom environment.
• Simplify complex functions and applications to make them easily understood by those with limited or no knowledge of computers.
• Demonstrate the technical ability to diagnose and refurbish computers.
• Create curriculum, activities, and projects that are appropriate for a multi-level ESL classroom.
• Support newly arrived refugee clients to develop computer literacy skills.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Excellent communication and organization skills. Ability to work independently, being creative and flexible.
• Strong interest in working with international clients in a cross-cultural environment.
• Experience with or interest in broad computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs, web site creation, software creation, and internet research.
• Experience with or a willingness to learn about diagnosing computers and/or refurbishing computers.
• Enthusiasm for helping people to learn.
• Computer Literacy classes are generally held Monday through Friday between 2:00pm and 4:30 pm, with lesson planning and administrative work before and afterwards. Interns must be able to commit to at least 15 hours a week.