For some people the computer and the Internet mean an additional element of everyday life, whereas for other people these represent a chance, a hope and a way to feel part of society.
Ion, Elena and Mihai Bocancea from Moldova (Taraclia village, Causeni district) are three brothers aged 43, 38 and 37 respectively. Unfortunately, from early adolescence they have been suffering from progressive muscular dystrophy/ myopathy – a genetic muscular disease in which the muscle fibers do not function for many reasons, resulting in muscular weakness. They couldn’t continue their studies and have to be permanently supervised by their parents, who, therefore, gave up their jobs.
Nevertheless, they tried to find a source of courage and motivation to go on with their lives. For a couple of years they practiced weaving and helped their parents, bringing additional incomes, but after the local factory closed down their services were no longer requested.
In 2000 Ion, Elena and Mihai benefited from basic training in computer skills that a local IT teacher conducted for them at home. But it was possible for them to work at the computer only during the summer time when one of the school computers was given to them. A couple of years later the Association of Myopathy from Moldova donated a computer to the Bocancea family, which considerably changed their everyday life. Since then the computer has been the main „window” to the wider world. In 2004-2008 they provided secretarial services to local public institutions and had a monthly salary of 200 MDL (12 EUR). But informational technologies have intensively developed lately and the computer is no luxury anymore either for individuals or for administrative bodies. Their computer (128 MB of OM) no longer matches the current needs and their knowledge needs to be improved. Having a meagre monthly income of 190 EUR for 5 family members, it is almost impossible to cover the basic needs and especially the annual medical treatment, food and monthly payment for electricity and internet connection. Several years ago they were able to dress themselves and to do their hygiene, whereas now this is no longer possible and their already old mother “replaces” their physical capacities. But they still can use the computer and they pin many hopes on the future. Their only wish is to use the computer to generate additional income for their family and to feel useful.
In April 2012, the Alliance of Access to Information and Training Community Centers of Moldova „INFONET” donated the Bocancea family a second hand computer in a slightly better condition then their first one. In the near future it will be extremely hard for them to sit on the chair and personal laptops; additional training in IT and English language would represent the only chance for a better life for them.
April 20, 2012
Oxana Traci-Banaruc, director executive of NGO Trinitas
