CAMBRIDGE, MA -- SEPTEMBER 4, 2002-- Do you know of anyone in the Portuguese-speaking community who could benefit from a free computer class? CCTV, the Cambridge community TV access program, is still seeking people who speak Portuguese to take advantage of its free computer program: "Aprenda Computadores em Português". Taught every Friday from 4-6 pm, the program aims to overcome the language and cultural barriers that the city's linguistically diverse community encounters in learning how to use computers.

"This is a vital program and I wish more Portuguese people would take advantage of this great opportunity to gain new computer or job skills," said David Zermeno, CCTV's Community Technology Programs Manager.

CCTV and the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) have also started working together to promote the free computer program to the Portuguese-speaking community. "It's an excellent opportunity for individuals who need to learn computer skills but have been unable to take a class because they don't speak English," says MAPS Executive Director Paulo Pinto.

For more information, contact David Zermeno at 661-6900, ext 126, or Katia Lemos at MAPS, (617) 628-6065.

About MAPS
MAPS is a private, non-profit organization that works with and for the Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Portuguese and other Portuguese-speaking communities to increase access and remove barriers to health, education and social services through direct services, advocacy, leadership and community development. The organization was founded in 1970 and has offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Dorchester, Allston and Lowell.

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Copyright © 2002 Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Inc. All rights reserved.