Batavia man feels called to teach computers

Before his father died just two weeks ago, Dan Galardini often thought about how easy and enjoyable it would be for his parents to be able to receive an e-mail from him with photos of their grandchildren.

With his father so ill, Galardini knew it was too late to teach his elderly parents how to use computers. He still felt that, maybe, there was something he could do for others who were never exposed to computers or were afflicted with "computer phobia" or "computer anxiety."

Galardini, who has lived in Batavia with his family for 17 years, also was looking for a way to give something back to his community. That's when he noticed an ad placed in a newspaper by the Salvation Army Tri-Cities Corps seeking a volunteer to teach a computer class.

The timing was perfect for Galardini, a computer sales manager for Computer Aid Inc. in Oak Brook. By teaching the Salvation Army's beginning computer class, he could help put an end to students' computer fears. In some cases, he might even change the lives of people who, due to their lack of computer skills, had a distinct disadvantage when seeking a job.

"All of the people who took the first session of this computer skills class wanted to be better, smarter and more advanced in their technical skills, and they all had great attitudes," Galardini said of the recently completed first six-week session.

The Tri-Cities Corps sought to start the class because of a real need in the community, said Cathy Winters, the group's health and education coordinator.

"This was a way to service people from the Tri-Cities area who were either senior citizens, low-income, unemployed or underemployed to provide them needed skills," Winters said. "Those who have taken the class have been incredibly appreciative of what they have been able to learn.

"I know one man was brought to tears, he was so grateful for what we did in helping him have the confidence to apply for a job."

The classes, which resume in the fall, meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Tri-Cities Corps office on Seventh Street in St. Charles.

The first six-week session featured a diverse group of eight students, ages 30 to 50, who had various reasons for wanting to learn more about computers.

"I just tried to learn what they did for a living, so I could understand what skills would best serve them," Galardini said.

Students' interests included learning Excel spreadsheets, creating a resume, understanding how to correspond with e-mail and even how to find safe chat rooms.

Robert Gardner of Aurora took the class because he felt he needed to learn more about how to use the Internet.

"I knew a little bit about computers, and this was a good class for beginners," Gardner said. "I wanted to learn how to look for airline tickets and make reservations."

Gardner said it was hard to remember everything from the previous class because sessions were once a week. However, the experience made him want to learn more in the future.

Sharon Rabin of Geneva also had her interest piqued enough to want to advance.

"I was learning Excel because I need it for a job, and I was not very strong in e-mail skills," Rabin said. "It was helpful, but if I can, I want to learn more."

Galardini said the class helped him learn more about the Salvation Army, and that has left a lasting impression.

"I had never been that close to the Salvation Army and they are doing a lot great things over there," he said.

As for the students who have attended his class, Galardini continued his high praise.

"These people are some of the hardest working people I have ever been around," Galardini said. "They turned to the Salvation Army for help, and once the opportunity presented itself, they showed themselves to be very hard workers."

For information about the Salvation Army computer classes and their other offerings, call the headquarters at (630) 377-2769.