"All of our kids have amazing talents - we just need to create an environment to help them fulfill their dreams."

Eric Burton always knew he wanted to make a difference. When he started with Boys and Girls Clubs, he hoped he could touch the lives of a few kids. Thirty years later, Eric makes a difference in the lives of 10,000 kids a week. What's his secret?

About a decade ago, as technology became a huge part of everyday life, Eric saw Boys and Girls Club kids falling behind. "Computer skills had become a necessity for young people but Club members simply couldn't compete. They often didn't have computers at home or in school. Their parents were not always able to help them become more digitally literate. Everyday tasks like surfing the Internet or doing homework presented challenges for Club members," explains Eric.

Eric's plan to conquer the Digital Divide between the skills his children had and what they needed was ambitious - outfit 100 Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada with computers and software. Having access to technology would help level the playing field for the 200,000 kids who visited the Clubs.

As Director of National Programs, Eric knew of some organizations willing to help. In 2002, Future Shop Canada supplied hardware and Microsoft Canada donated software and funding to develop technology centres. A program called CanTech was born. Its goal was to provide children and youth not only with access to technology, but the opportunity to learn how to apply technology tools in their daily lives. Before the centres, 600 kids a week used technology in the Clubs. A year later - over 10,000 a week or 150,000 different kids a year were participating in technology programs.

"The labs were overflowing with kids, ideas and promise. The taste of technology fueled their hunger and the children demanded more. I realized this was just the beginning," explains Eric. 

Having witnessed Eric's remarkable success, Microsoft Canada extended an additional three year grant of $2 million in cash and software in January 2007 to expand CanTech and provide access to enriching programming in digital arts exploration, science and moviemaking camps and Internet safety training at CanTech technology learning centres. This initiative is enabling many more thousands of young people to accelerate their competence with technological media and expand their academic, career and life opportunities.

Any praise directed at Eric is quickly diverted.

"The kids are the real heroes," says Eric. "All they require is opportunity. They take to technology like fish to water and then share their knowledge, mentoring other club members. It's a cycle of learning and hope."

Comments

Paula Farrell wrote re: EVERYDAY HEROES: Eric Burton, Director of National Programs, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

on 11-10-2009 1:18 AM

My children were regulars at the Boys and Girls Club in south Vancouver for 3- 5 years before access to computers at the club.  Although they would have loved such access (which kids wouldn't!), they still have happy memories of great mentoring by volunteers and staff, great outings and a lively yet relaxed and welcoming atmosphere after school. I myself found the Club to be an exceptionally positive place for children from all backgrounds.  That is so great to hear that Microsoft Canada is helping with funding. Bravo!

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