Tech Goes Home and MACIR offer free IT training

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Fernando Buenrostro Velacco, 23, is a recent graduate of a free tech support job program run by MACIR, a nonprofit organization based in East Boston.”We set up computers, we imaged them manually,” Velacco said. “We would also connect the printers, the basics, you know, just to get our foot in the door.”The eight-week program teaches software, how to set up and use computer programs, but also hardware, how to build and connect computers.Rachid Moukhabir started the program when the COVID-19 pandemic made it obvious people could benefit from the training and take advantage of the tech job market.“There (were) a lot of people risking their lives for minimum wages,” he said. “Some community IT professionals got together, and we said that we need to do something about it.”Computers both used and new, donated by another Boston nonprofit called Tech Goes Home make the program possible.Marvin Venay is the chief advocacy officer at Tech Goes Home.“We’ve been in schools, community centers (and) different nonprofits we’ve partnered with, like MACIR,” Venay said. “To ensure that every individual who is out there that’s looking to be connected, has access to be connected.”Tech Goes Home has given out roughly 40,000 computers and tablets since 2000. The organization also offers internet access and basic computer training.MACIR takes the training and supports it a step further.”We give them internship opportunities and help them get a certification,” Moukhabir said. “(We) help them build their resumes.”Velacco was a baker at Star Market working nights and weekends before and during his time at MACIR.“It paid off,” he said. “I was like, I have to do this if I want a future.”That future is at Emerson College, in the IT department, where he started full-time in January.”I just image computers really, or help teachers out,” Velacco said. “I set up the computers for them. I love it.”Find more information about MACIR here, and Tech Goes Home here.

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