North Bergen resident Nidia Carrero is a mother of three who wants to keep up with her kids. With the information age at her children’s’ fingertips these days, she recently decided she needed to brush up on her computer skills. While having brunch a few weeks ago at International House of Pancakes in Union City with her family, she came upon a sign next door that read “The Computer School – Grand Opening.” As of last Wednesday, she became the first of eight students to take the school’s first class, “Introduction to Computers.” Carrero said the experience is long overdue. “I think what they are offering is very insightful,” she said “I have my own computer, but I’ve basically learned through trial and error and I found it time consuming. I thought taking this class would help me learn more about my computer so I can work with my kids.” A great idea turns into reality The idea of having a computer school in Union City came from the desire of a couple to help the community. Joe and Carol Pereyra of Manhattan, who owned a warehouse and were publishers of an adult education magazine for nearly 16 years, decided they wanted to sell their business. According to Carol, while selling excess office equipment and computers from their warehouse, the strong interest in information technology in the community became apparent. “It was almost like it happened by accident,” said Carol. “We were just selling extra equipment that we weren’t using and we decided maybe people in the community could use it. We ended up having like a garage sale that seem to last for months. From that experience, we learned that people were interested in getting computers, but they knew little about computers and how to work them. We saw there was a need there and opening this school has motivated us to provide a service that people can use.” Joe, who was born in Argentina, is a former Union City resident. Opened two weeks ago, The Computer School is conveniently located on 32nd Street and Kennedy Boulevard, where its neighboring stores are the Drug Emporium, Kid ‘R Us and IHOP. Carol added that being in the mall would be a great opportunity to connect with families and others who are interested in taking the assortment of classes. The classes range from Intro to Computers and Learning the Internet to more extensive programs in Microsoft Word, Excel and Photoshop. Each class runs at three-hour intervals and prices range from $49 to $149 per class. Because the school understands the demographics of the community, they also offer classes in Spanish so that residents and business owners in the area can participate and learn. Joe Pereyra, who was a resident of the city for 20 years before moving to New York City with his family, believes that he and his wife are helping the people in the community to advance their careers and daily life. “Everyone who comes here is important to us,” said Joe. “What we bring is an opportunity to build a connection between the community and the parent and child so they can communicate better with each other. People don’t have to be limited on what they learn. Our door is open seven days a week and we want everyone to feel comfortable and confident. We can help them to build basic skills, set up their resumes and even take care of small businesses. It is a process that will take some time, but we are here to provide a service that can benefit not only Union City, but also Hudson County.” Worth the experience County residents that came by to take the class, “Intro to Computers” were pleased that the experience was worth the time they invested. Pepe Anazco, who is the owner of the Golden Arches Picture Frame and Photo Studio in the outdoor mall, said he took the class to help him with his business. “I’m familiar somewhat with computers, but I wanted to really understand how to be better at it,” said Anazco, who has lived in Union City for 10 years. “I feel that it was worth my time to come. I did learn something more than what I came in with.” One of his fellow students also agreed that what he is learning at the school could help him and his family advance. “This is my first time really working with a computer,” said Carlos Morales of West New York, who works as a mechanic for a body shop. “I learned a lot tonight, but I know I need to practice. My kids are always coming home with questions from school and this gives me more confidence that I will be able to help them more.” When the course concludes, the students are given a questionnaire and a certificate for completion. The questionnaire is feedback that the Pereyras believe will help them to better address the needs of their students. Union City resident Rosemary Del Orbe, a sample maker for fashion design in New York, said she may not use these skills in her job but that it is worth it to gain tools for her personal use. “Even though I got here a little late, I really enjoyed being here,” said Del Orbe. “Everyone who’s here wants to really get a hands-on approach that we might not get from jobs or at home. I have a computer, but I found myself just playing around and wanted a little more. I didn’t know we were the first class of students here tonight, but I think anyone who does come will get a lot from it, no matter what class they take.” For anyone interested in getting more information about class offerings and schedules, contact The Computer School at 271-0080.
Our Digital Archive from 2000 – 2016
