Launching our Digital Literacy Program for Domestic Workers

The following is an excerpt from the Consortium for Worker Education’s 2024 Report authored by Sherry Kane.

In the spring of 2024, the Consortium for Worker Education funded a computer instructor for the group and provided the use of a lab at CWE’s Maiden Lane location. I spoke with CGA’s Deputy Director Ben Fuller-Googins about the program.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve been getting a lot of requests from members about digital literacy training,” Mr. Fuller-Googins said. “There’s a huge demand. We want to introduce them to different [programs] like Google Suite and Google Docs so they can create and update their resumes and feel more comfortable using email to [contact] a potential employer and attach a resume.”

“This was a perfect opportunity,” he said about the support from CWE. “We got some funding to pay the instructor and having a computer lab with twenty-six computers is amazing.”

The instructor, Miriam Uribe, is the daughter of a domestic worker and was an organizer for the National Domestic Workers Alliance. She now works for Google.

“I used to be an organizer for domestic workers and then I jumped into the tech world,” Ms. Uribe explained. “I still wanted to be connected so I reached out to Carroll Gardens. We actually started doing these digital literacy courses at the Google offices in the Learning Hub but because it was only weekdays, a lot of women couldn’t come. We wanted to expand it to a weekend and there was this opportunity to be here [at Maiden Lane].”

Explaining how she created her class, Ms. Uribe said, “I thought, ‘let me work on a curriculum based on things that I remember my mom had issues with or stuff that has come up during our [members’] resume reviews. Because I was an organizer before, I know how technology can help in their everyday life.”

“There is a wide range of skills [among participants],” she continued. “Some folks have kids and know how to use Google Classroom and others are starting from zero. A lot of folks are very familiar with their phones, but not with the computer. There are more things you can do on a computer. They’re learning how to use Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Sheets, and Canva.”

Stressing the importance of online security, she noted, “We’ve had lessons on online safety and scams because [scammers] target folks that are not well versed in phishing and malware.”

Participants were enthusiastic and noted they had learned a lot in a short amount of time.

“It’s very important because it opens doors in life,” said Maria, who came to the US from Mexico two years ago. “I was taking ESOL classes at Hunter College and when it went virtual [during the pandemic], I couldn’t do it. This class is fantastic. It [also] helped us identify spam texts to protect us.”

Sandra agreed saying, “I want to not be afraid to use the internet and not be afraid that my identity might be stolen.” She commented that she felt more comfortable after learning more about internet security in the class. 

Many nannies use technology for work and Ms. Uribe wants to make sure they can organize their schedule and keep track of their hours to ensure they receive proper compensation.

“For example, Google Calendar,” she explained. “We’re seeing some of the parents send invitations on their calendars, but [members] didn’t really know how it worked. Also, for tracking hours. I think it’s really important for them to have [their work hours] not just written down, but digitally, so it doesn’t get lost.”

“If they do take care of kids, they are probably using Google Classroom,” she continued. “The other thing is email. If they’re meeting with the parent and they want to send an email. And for contracts, it’s good that they know how to type, how to download, how to [create and open] PDFs – all of that is important for security purposes. We don’t want them to [share their] Social Security number. If they’re applying for jobs, we want to make sure that they’re going to websites that are reliable. And I want to make sure that they have their resume, know how to edit it, and know how to access it anywhere. They can share it right away if they have it on their Google Drive.”

Ms. Uribe noted that many members used Facebook and WhatsApp as a form of communication.

“We talked about online safety for kids – about how you shouldn’t be putting up pictures of underage kids, not just the people they take care of, but their own kids,” she explained. “We [looked at] some examples of how things can go wrong because things have changed drastically from when social media started.”

She also wants them to be discerning about information they find on the internet.

“They did a research activity and [learned] that there are different search engines,” she said. “Google is one of the search engines, but there’s Bing, DuckDuckGo, and others. We did an activity to see how the internet has a lot of [information] but it’s hard to comb through. That’s important because of the misinformation campaigns so I see that as a way to give them tools to fight that off.”

At the end of the 10 weeks, participants shared some of their class projects including business cards and Canva presentations that they will use to market their services. Most had started with limited digital skills and said they felt empowered that they could now navigate technology on their own rather than relying on others.

“I knew how to use my phone but not the computer,” said Jacqueline. “I’ve found this class really helpful because it [taught] us step-by-step. Before, I had to ask my child to help me.”

“Today, everyone needs computer skills,” said Sora, who works as a childcare provider. “In the US, everything is digital. In our work, we get emails, the kids have tablets and have homework [to do online].”

CGNA member Margarita is using these skills to help her advance professionally.

“I’ve made my own babysitting cards,” she said. “And I want to go back to school for nursing. I’ve learned about security and how to type. It’s helping me be more confident.”

All the participants were pleased with their progress.

“For someone like me, who didn’t know anything, I can’t believe that now I’m using Canva!” said Regina.

And Yolanda, who serves as CGNA’s Membership Coordinator, wanted to improve her office skills. She was thrilled with the class.

“From typing to creating business cards and presentations, this class has enhanced our knowledge and prepared us for the world of tech,” she said.

Carroll Gardens Association staff, pleased with its success, planned to continue the program in the fall.