Technologically enabled; Boston Globe article; 11/11/01

My name is Ilirjan Qirici, but most people know me as Liri. I work at Malden Access Television and I'm the Community Production Coordinator. I also work part time (one day a week,) at Cyber Cafe, a computer center, in Malden Square, which provides free services to people who otherwise couldn't afford a computer. I provide technical support. I believe I've started service on April 24th, 2001 and that will be the end date next year.

At both places I work with people of various ages, from 13 year-olds to retired people. There are 11 (PCs) computers at the Cyber Cafe, where people are able to use the Internet and other programs based on need. As I mentioned, all services are free included coffee. At MATV, we have two studios and two editing rooms, where members shoot shows and use editing rooms for various projects. Malden's Access Television provides access to media production equipment and training to local residents, organizations, elected officials and educational institutions, and enables people from all parts of Malden to learn and work together to express their vision, share their knowledge, explore their cultures, entertain, inform, and encourage citizen participation in community life.

If you were homeless, you would do what homeless people do and are able to do at Cyber Cafe. Just sign up for free and use any available computer at the moment you sign up or whenever you come after that, daily, like everyone else. And if you need any assistance, somebody will be there for you every week day. There's no discrimination. Actually, the Cyber Cafe was created to serve people who cannot afford computers or otherwise would not be able to use them, such as homeless people, the poor, some kids and retired people. Cyber Cafe is frequented by people of different walks of lives; from students who have computers at home but cannot afford Internet, to those who don't even have a home.

I wouldn't call them failures, because I have never failed to do my job so far. But there are problems/obstacles that I face. For example, at Cyber Cafe, sometimes I have people who never used computers before and giving my lack of mobility, I have to direct them by voice and direct them constantly exactly where they need to click. I'll use a web site now which has a lot information for beginners and will see how that goes. There are times where the server has to be rebooted and there's always another person at the desk that does that. Otherwise, I've been able and glad to help people every day; from learning how to click to surfing the Internet, writing letters on Microsoft Word, creating email accounts, and searching for jobs.

At MATV, I produce, direct, write, edit, teach, work with graphics, coordinate crew, and assist members on various projects. I've done many shows and projects and been very successful. In addition, I produce promos and Public Service Announcements, PSA's, I do research and contact nonprofit organizations, regarding PSA's they may have ready for cable cast on our three channels at MATV, teach classes, etc. However, there are problems and obstacles. For example, it's difficult for me to find volunteer crew whenever I produce a show or tape an event. Or, sometimes some people sign up for a class but never show up.

It was a combination of reasons why I joined the VISTA program. First, I would be working on a TV station, which basically is the kind of work I want to do, involving writing, producing, directing, and team work. I would be able to work with people, assist them and share/gain experiences, there and at Cyber Cafe. It would also be a very good transition from College into the workforce.

I believe I've contributed a lot especially at Malden Access Television. I have produced several projects and shows, including 2 live shows. I regularly produce/direct a weekly show called "Malden Square", which I've help to create and am solely responsible for. I've assisted a number of people with their projects and have been able to coordinate crews and utilize the skills of various members, from kids to middle aged and retired people.

The Cyber Cafe has become a real popular place now and along with many other volunteers, I think I have helped make the place better. At the beginning, in May, about 40-45 people used to frequent the Cyber Cafe. Now the number has grown near 60. I was there working when a record of 66 people used the place for one day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. I've assisted people who needed help and have tried to make the place as comfortable and as friendly environment as it can be.

At Cyber Cafe I usually teach people how to do certain things they want to do and encourage them not only to write it down but also to practice doing that in the computer by themselves. I don't work with kids there because the kids that come there already have the basic knowledge and they either use the Internet for research or chatting. By I have suggested to couple of VISTAs and I've also posted a month ago something that can work pretty well with young kids. Kids tend to work better when they have a certain responsibility/tasks assigned. They could create color picture books or various presentations on Microsoft Point. They can either find pictures in the Internet, scan them, or actually use a digital camera and download them in that way in the computer, where they could enhance pictures with different effects and print them or present them through a projector.

Liri at Cyber Cafe

Liri directing a show in the control room.

Liri and Jean, an MATV member, in the editing room, editing a project at MATV.

Liri assisting Charles, a Cyber Cafe registered member, searching for a job in the Internet.

Among other things, Liri teaches Charles how to create an email account and maintain/use it.