Ethiopian Community Mutual Association
Comuter Technology Training of Trainers

The Ethiopian Community Mutual Association will use the Technology Matching Fund grant to increase the size of its computer lab and to train 12 individuals to become computer skill trainers. In return for the computer training, these volunteer trainers will commit to weekly volunteer hours in the computer lab. This program will allow ECMA to accommodate the growing computer skill training needs for the Ethiopian community in Seattle.

Contacts:

Ethiopia Tadesse, Executive Director
(206) 325-0304
ecma@qwest.net

Assaye Abunie
(206) 325-0304
assayea@aol.com

The Ethiopian Community Mutual Association (ECMA) was started in 1983 to provide social, economic, and emotional support to Ethiopian refugees and immigrants in the greater Seattle area. ECMA provides case management and advocacy, employment referral, counseling, child care, housing, health information, education and training, cultural activities, translation services, and emergency intervention.

In 2000, ECMA received a grant from the Technology Matching Fund to establish a computer training center for its members and the surrounding community. Last year, more than 200 people graduated from the basic computer skills classes held in the lab and more than 600 people visited the lab for personal work during open hours.